Gothic Architecture: The Hall is a stunning example of 13th-century Gothic architecture. It is an immense, aisled hall featuring elegant Purbeck marble columns and soaring pointed archways.
Hammer-Beam Roof: It is topped with a magnificent hammer-beam roof, which creates a large, unobstructed open space.
Judicial History: For centuries, the Great Hall served as the primary law court for Hampshire, hosting Assize Courts until 1974. Notable trials held here include that of Sir Walter Raleigh (1603) and the "Bloody Assizes" under Judge Jeffreys (1685).The Great Hall is most famous for housing the Winchester Round Table, which is prominently displayed on the west wall.
The Legend: This enormous circular wooden tabletop is strongly linked to the legendary King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table, symbolizing equality as it has no "head."
The Reality: The table is a genuine medieval artifact, but it is not from King Arthur's time. Carbon dating suggests the wood was cut in the late 13th century (around 1250-1280), approximately 600 years after Arthur is traditionally thought to have lived.
Purpose: Historians believe it was likely created for a lavish "Round Table" tournament, possibly hosted by King Edward I in 1290 to celebrate a royal betrothal.
The Painting: The famous painted design, which features the Tudor rose in the centre and a figure resembling a young King Henry VIII as Arthur, was commissioned by King Henry VIII in the early 16th century (c. 1522) to reinforce his connection to the legendary king.