God Begot House, Winchester

God Begot House boasts a rich history rooted in the 11th century. Gifted to Emma, daughter of Duke Richard of Normandy, as part of her wedding present in 1002, this manor held a unique status, operating independently of the city with its own laws and taxes.

The current structure, dating back to 1050, witnessed Emma's enduring presence and subsequent bequest of the manor to "Christ, St. Peter and St. Swithun." This transfer ensured tax and toll exemptions, marking its transition to the Prior and monks of St. Swithun. The manor's exceptional privileges included sanctuary for those claiming its liberty and exclusive jurisdiction by the priory's ministers. Despite a brief interlude during the Dissolution of the Monasteries, where it briefly fell under Henry VIII's control, the manor's rights were eventually reinstated.

Today, God Begot House, having weathered diverse uses over the centuries, stands as a testament to Winchester's enduring heritage, recently serving as a distinguished retail establishment.