The Eclipse is a delightful 16th century building fronting the Square, opposite Winchester Museum. The present timber-framing is a 1920s copy of the ancient facade, but the effect is equally as good as the original. It was once the rectory of the nearby church of St. Lawrence-in-the-Square, but is now a popular watering hole, ideally placed in the centre of the city.

The place is most famous as the place where Dame Alicia Lisle spent her last night before she was beheaded just outside on 2nd September 1685. A plaque on the museum records the event. Poor Dame Alice was the widow of Winchester's unpopular MP who signed King Charles I's death warrant. The compassionate lady was found harbouring members of the Duke of Monmouth's rebellious army, at her home of Moyles Court (Ringwood), after the Battle of Sedgemoor. She was tried by the unforgiving Judge Jeffreys and quickly sentenced to death.

Next Stop: City Museum