Peninsula Barracks - in the centre

This very grand square of buildings in the middle of Winchester is not a place I usually think of blipping, but it did seem appropriate for today.  It was built in the early 20th century on the site of 'The King's House' a palace Christopher Wren designed to be Charles II's equivalent of Versailles.  It directly aligns with the west door of the Cathedral.  Between the two buildings there was meant to be a string of gardens and a processional way.  How different Winchester might have been!

Anyway, King Charles died before completion and the shell was handed over to the military, who 100 years later burnt it down.  The stonework on this west side, including the central columns, were all that was left to re-use when the army did their new build.  It's now luxury flats (wouldn't you know it?)

The water is a central puddle for giants between the four wings, in the middle of which is a fountain (really quite a decent-sized one, though it looks a bit squitty here!)

So this is my entry for BobsBlips lovely widwed challenge on the subject of 'In the centre'.  Thanks, Bob.

And enjoy your evening, all  xx