At Wessex Film and Sound Archive you can see and hear history, from late Victorian times to the present day, through moving images and sound recordings. The Archive contains over 36,000 film and sound recordings relating to Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, Berkshire, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire, including film and tapes of local TV and radio.
This film is part of Free
Video Player is loading.
Splendour of the Heavens
A film about astronomy which also happens to show views of the ancient city of Winchester, before focussing on a particular house in the suburbs with its own observatory.
From the collection of:
Overview
This interesting film about astronomy also captures some lovely views of Winchester. Through a telescope we see the ancient city nestling in the valley of the Itchen, proceeding to views of the Guidhall and Alfred the Great’s statue. We look through the Westgate arch down the High Street before continuing to the cathedral. Next we're on the Andover Road, a leafy suburb of the city, proceeding to the ‘Nath’, the filmmaker's home, with his own observatory in the garden.
Related
Watch for free
A Royal Visit to the Hants & Isle of Wight Constabulary A Royal Visit to the Hants & Isle of Wight Constabulary
Non-Fiction 1966 2 mins Silent Location: Winchester
It's a special day for the Hampshire Constabulary when Princess Margaret arrives to officially open their new Winchester HQ
Watch for free
This is Bournemouth This is Bournemouth
Promotional 1969 17 mins Location: Bournemouth
Bournemouth. A holiday resort that’s got the lot. Sunshine, sandy beaches, gardens, shops, fine dining and entertainment - with sports stars and a few beauty queens thrown in
Watch for free
Old Contemptibles' March Old Contemptibles' March
Amateur film 1947 3 mins Silent Location: Winchester
War veterans from the Old Contemptibles Association march through the streets of Winchester in this poignant 1947 film from W J Prall
Watch for free
Winchester on Film by F B Heathcote-Wride Winchester on Film by F B Heathcote-Wride
Amateur film 1935 14 mins Silent Location: Winchester
Winchester puts on its finery for a feast of celebrations, parades and civic ceremonies in this nostalgic film from 1936 - which also includes the lucky winner of a motor car
Watch for free
The British Way of Health The British Way of Health
Documentary 1973 27 mins Location: London
A portrayal of the NHS which shows off the “marvellous” system to audiences around the world.
Watch for free
Winchester Laundry Winchester Laundry
Amateur film 1950 1 mins Silent Location: Winchester
Observe these Winchester women working in a local laundry - it's a glimpse into how things were before the Clean Air Act
Watch for free
On Falling - Exclusive Q&A On Falling - Exclusive Q&A
Inside Film 2025 30 mins
Writer-director Laura Carreira talks to Nia Childs about her debut feature, On Falling.
Watch for free
Layla - Exclusive Q&A Layla - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2025 27 mins
Writer, director and performer Amrou Al-Kadhi talks to Rico Johnson-Sinclair about their debut feature.
Watch for free
All We Imagine As Light - Exclusive Q&A All We Imagine As Light - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2025 28 mins
Payal Kapadia discusses her Cannes prize-winning and Bafta-nominated drama with Ashanti Omkar.
Watch for free
Khichdi Khichdi
Animation & Artists Moving Image 2023 16 mins
The interwoven stories of four best friends who reunite in the UK, thirty-five years after training together as nurses during their teens in Ferozepur, Punjab.
Watch for free
Dr XYZ: A Medical Drag Transthology Dr XYZ: A Medical Drag Transthology
Documentary 2023 15 mins
A satirical take on the healthcare service announcements of the 1960s and 70s.
Watch for free
Every Moment Counts Every Moment Counts
Animation & Artists Moving Image 2023 9 mins
A short animation that offers a window into the world of children’s palliative care.