Westgate Museum

About the museum

The Westgate is the last remaining medieval gate of Winchester, dating mainly to the 12th to 14th centuries on the site of earlier gates going back to Roman times. It was the main western entrance to the city and also helped to defend Winchester Castle. For about 150 years it served as a debtors' prison, and prisoners left graffiti on its walls.

Today the gateway is a scheduled monument housing a small museum on the history of Tudor and Stuart Winchester. Its best-known displays are a painted ceiling commissioned by Winchester College in anticipation of a visit by Mary Tudor and Philip of Spain, who married in Winchester in 1554, and a portrait of Ralph Lamb, who attended the wedding, shown in Spanish dress.

The museum also holds a famous collection of pre-imperial weights and measures and objects from the Civil War and its aftermath. Visitors climb a steep staircase to the upper chamber and can reach the roof for views over the city. Replica armour, Tudor costumes, brass rubbing and a spotter trail are available for families.

Highlights

• Painted Tudor ceiling made for the 1554 royal wedding
• Collection of pre-imperial weights and measures
• Portrait of Ralph Lamb
• Debtors' prison graffiti
• Roof views over Winchester

Permanent exhibitions

• Painted Tudor ceiling – A decorated ceiling commissioned by Winchester College for the 1554 wedding of Mary Tudor and Philip of Spain.
• Weights and measures – A well-known collection of pre-imperial weights and measures.

Founded

1898

Operated by

Hampshire Cultural Trust

Admission & discounts

Westgate Museum is included in the ticket for the Great Hall; the prices shown are for that combined ticket (Great Hall with Westgate Museum). Tickets are cashless.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: not available
• Elevator: not available
• Accessible restroom: not available
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The Grade I listed building is entered by a steep staircase from the street and is not wheelchair accessible. There are no toilets on site. A hearing loop is available and there is a touch and hear information point for visitors with visual impairments. Identifiable assistance dogs are welcome.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations

Children can try on replica armour and Tudor costumes, make a brass rubbing and follow a spotter trail. A programme of family events runs through the year.

Getting there & parking

The Westgate stands at the top of the High Street in Winchester.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

Gift shop and The Round Table Café belong to the combined Great Hall and Westgate offer.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit