Few of our English cities are more strikingly situated than the once royal city of Winchester which lies on the slopes and along the bed of a chalk valley watered by the River Itchen. The greater part of the present city is situated on the right bank of the river while the best general view of it is justly considered to be that obtained by looking across the Vale of Chilcomb, from the road to Portsmouth. Of the Itchen valley with its rich meadows and tranquil stream, William Cobbett was an enthusiastic admirer.
