William Wynford

William Wynford, also known as William of Wynford, was a very important English master mason who lived between 1360 and 1405. He was one of the most successful builders of his time and helped shape the look of many famous buildings in England.

Wynford worked in a style called Perpendicular Gothic, which is known for its tall, elegant windows and intricate stonework. This style became very popular during his lifetime and can still be seen in many historic places today.

One of his most famous works was at St. George's Chapel in Windsor, where he served as the master mason. His skills and creativity left a lasting mark on English architecture, and people still study his buildings hundreds of years later.

Life and career

William Wynford was a master mason who worked on many important buildings in England during the 14th century. He started his career at Windsor Castle and later became the master mason at Wells Cathedral, where he likely met William of Wykeham. He worked at several royal sites, including Corfe Castle and Southampton.

Wynford helped design famous schools and colleges such as New College, Oxford and Winchester College. He also worked on castles like Wardour Castle and repaired Winchester Castle. His most famous work was remodeling the nave of Winchester Cathedral in the Perpendicular Gothic style.

Features of Wynford's works

William Wynford designed buildings in a special way, placing the chapel and great hall end to end. This design was used at Windsor Castle, Winchester College, and New College. These colleges also have cloisters next to the main buildings, creating a separate courtyard with the great hall, chapel, entrance gate, rooms for scholars, a library, and spaces for the Warden.

These were the first educational buildings in England designed as a complete group, influencing later colleges like King's College, Cambridge, Eton College, and Magdalen College, Oxford.

Appearance

There is a portrait of Wynford shown in the stained glass in the east window of Winchester College. The portrait pictures an old man with thinning hair, a long nose, and a forked beard. Below the portrait are the words "Willms Wynfort lathomus."

Works

William Wynford was a talented English master mason who worked during the 14th century. He helped build many important places, including New College, Oxford in Oxfordshire. He may have also worked on Old Wardour Castle in Wiltshire. Other buildings he contributed to are the south-west tower of Wells Cathedral in Somerset, the remodelling of the nave at Winchester Cathedral in Hampshire, Winchester College in Hampshire, and parts of the royal lodgings in the Upper Ward at Windsor Castle in Berkshire.

Gallery of architectural work

William Wynford contributed to many important buildings. Some of his notable works include the chapel and cloisters at New College, Oxford, the gateway and chapel at Winchester College, and structures at Wells Cathedral and Winchester Cathedral. His designs can also be seen at Wardour Castle. These buildings show the Perpendicular Gothic style that was popular during his time.