'The Brooks,' along with the adjoining Upper, Middle and Lower Brook Street, are named after the quite large streams which once flowed through the open city streets in this area of Winchester. They are said to have been diverted by King Alfred as a defensive measure against the Danes. In medieval times, this became an industrial area, the streams being ideal for the use of locals fullers and tanners.

Today it is quite different. The modern shopping mall is a busy and popular spot in the city's commercial centre. It is full of stores of all kinds and the area outside is often used by street vendors and entertainers. The mall itself is a bizarre mix or materials and motifs and even has a tower up which you can climb. In the basement is a lively heritage display showing the results of a major archaeological dig on the site prior to the building's construction.

Next Stop: St. Lawrence-in-the-Square