Exploring the heritage and everyday history of St Giles Hill, the Soke and its Park

A 90-minute guided walk up and around St Giles Hill, including the prominent, wooded slopes and park that overlooks the centre of the city of Winchester.

The walk will be led by noted horticulturalist, local historian and tour guide, Dr Harry Mycock.Join horticulturalist, local historian and tour guide, Harry Mycock for a walk up and around St Giles Hill Park and the Soke.

In keeping with the Everyday Histories theme of the Heritage Open Days this year activities carried out here will be considered from those involved in wool from farmers to processors to sellers, these along with millers, quarrymen, railwaymen and even firework makers.

The great history will also be covered considering the park's storied past - from a place of execution under William the Conqueror, to the site of one of Europe's largest trade fairs in the Middle Ages.

Stories of the odd riot will be thrown in, too.In the late 19th Century, the City Council acquired the open land on the hilltop and the slopes of St Giles Hill designating the area as a recreation ground.

The Council brought in one of the country's leading landscape architects to design and oversee the part of this 'pleasure ground' for the purposes of public health and exercise.

The Park today is a much loved green space, a haven for local flora and fauna, and an integral part of the city's landscape, and boasts extraordinary views across the city centre, including of the Cathedral, College, High Street, Guildhall and Great Hall.

The walk will start inside Abbey Gardens on the Broadway in close proximity to the statue of King Alfred.Bookings open on the 25th August at 9am for Friends of Hampshire History Trust.

General booking opens on 27th August at 9am.

To become a Friend of HHT and gain early access, please visit: https://hampshirehistorytrust.com/donations/