The name is presumed to derive from Wilighealh, a Saxon name probably relating to willows, mentioned in the Domesday Book as part of nearby Chilcomb. It appears in its modern spelling on a 1575 map by Saxton.[1] Winnall was an ancient parish (incorporating that of St Giles by the late 13th century[2]). In 1901 the civil parish had a population of 122.[3] On 26 March 1902 the parish was abolished and merged with Winchester.[4]
The area saw large amounts of housebuilding in the post-war period, with land purchased by the City Council in 1952 for 400-500 semi-detached homes on either side of Winnall Manor road, which is the main arterial road which the estate is built around. Further land was developed from 1961 for four eight-story high rise blocks, built by Wates and opened in 1963. [5] A primary school also opened in 1960, initially with a capacity of 240 students, later peaking at 320, before settling to near 130 by the 2000's. [6] There are a number of parks in Winnall, including on Winnall Manor Park, and on Imber Road.
It is now in the unparished area of Winchester, in the Winchester district. It is represented on Winchester City Council as part of St Bartholomew Ward, and on Hampshire County Council as part of Winchester Eastgate Division.
References
^Saxton (1575). "Map of Hampshire". Old Hampshire Gazetteer. University of Portsmouth. Retrieved 27 March 2009.