Winchester College is one of the oldest schools in England, founded in 1382 by Bishop William of Wykeham, and much of the original 14th-century fabric survives in use. The chapel, the dining hall, and the cloisters date from the medieval period. It is a striking example of continuous institutional use of medieval architecture: boys have been educated in these buildings for more than six centuries.
Guided tours of the college run on selected days throughout the year and are the only way for visitors to access the interior. The tour typically includes Chamber Court (the original medieval courtyard), the college chapel, and the Cloisters. The exterior is worth seeing even without a tour — the buildings are visible from the street, and College Street runs along the southern wall in a row of beautiful early buildings. Jane Austen spent her final weeks at No. 8 College Street, and a plaque marks the house.