The Constabulary

The criss-crossing streets and alleyways located between the cathedral and Southgate Street were known in the 16th century as 'Constable Rewe'. The area once housed royal officials due to the area's proximity to the royal place located in the cathedral grounds from the 10th century until its destruction during the Siege of Winchester of 1141. A Constable was a high royal official who maintained law and order in the palace precincts and judged on matters of chivalry, tournaments, and marshal displays. Great Minster Street and Little Minster Street were thus known jointly as 'the constabulary' (not to be confused with police stations).

Today we cast our net a little wider in naming this collective of equally historic, interconnected streets 'the constabulary':

Southgate Street
St Swithun Street
St Thomas Street
Symonds Street
Little Minster Street
Great Minster Street

On the corner of St Thomas Street, Lacewing Fine Art specialises in fine British and European works of art, as well as offering bespoke framing and restoration services in their studio. Further up in St Clement Street is Gioia with its hand-crafted jewellery in contemporary designs. Lisa Sanders, Gioia's talented designer, also supplies many John Lewis stores with her jewellery. Another artist in residence can be found around the corner in Little Minster Street at Free Spirit, where the highest standards of craftmanship in jewellery and hat design can be sought.