Hear an imagined account of a witness’ terrifying experience with the Roundheads inside Winchester Cathedral during the English Civil War. Afterwards, Alex Beeton explores Hampshire’s role in the conflict raging across the country.
One day, the halls of Winchester Cathedral are filled with whispered prayers and holy songs. The next, they echo with the roaring of gunfire and hooves crashing over the tombs of holy men.
The English Civil War was a conflict that spared neither the lowest of peasants nor the highest of kings. It was only a matter of time before the winds of war reached Winchester. In this episode, listen to an imagined first-hand account of the damage caused to Winchester Cathedral and the impact it had on the city.
Alex Beeton, a third-year PhD student at Oxford University studying early modern British history, talks about the history of the English Civil War and the fascinating stories of the people involved.
Aisha Al-Sadie
Aisha was born in Scotland and graduated with a BA (Hons) Degree in Fine Art from Edinburgh College of Art. As Learning Officer and Interim Curator Aisha Al-Sadie is passionate about Winchester Cathedral, an incredible building she has had the privilege of working in over the last three years.
Regular listeners may remember Aisha, as this is her third episode for Hampshire HistBites. She narrated an episode in season 3 called ‘Creatures and Kings: A Viking Tale’s Link with Winchester’; and an episode in season 5 called 'Intrigue in the New Forest Leads to a Mystery at Winchester Cathedral'. Do click through for Aisha’s full biography, and to listen to these episodes.
Alex Beeton
Alex is currently a third year PhD student at Oxford University, studying early modern British history. He grew up in Compton and has always loved local history: “Winchester is full of fantastic stories, especially from the Civil Wars, and it’s great to have a chance to talk about them”.
Regular listeners may remember Alex too, as this is his second episode for Hampshire HistBites. Back in season 4, Alex talked about a self-proclaimed Messiah from Hampshire in the episode ‘When the Messiah came to Andover’. Do click through to listen to that episode.
Further Information and Additional Resources
To learn more about the fascinating history that involves Winchester Cathedral, check out their website here. Or why not follow them on their various social media accounts: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Why not learn more about the exhibition Kings and Scribes: The Birth of a Nation mentioned in this episode, or plan your visit to Winchester Cathedral?
During Winchester Heritage Open Days in 2021, Alex Beeton held an online talk where he discussed the role of Winchester College during the Civil War, and had a curious story involving bribery and sugar. Why not check out his talk on our YouTube channel here.
Please note that this is the last episode of Season 8 and the HistBites team are taking a break, but plan to return with a brand new season in due course. We have lots of great podcast content planned: if you’d like to join our team; if you know of a great Hampshire tale; or you are a Hampshire-based historian with a national or international story to share, do get in touch. We’d be delighted to hear from you, and maybe you or your story could appear in our next season.