How Many People Live In Winchester?

From the 10th century, Winchester may have had a population of about 8,000. Disaster struck Winchester in 1048-49, when the Black Death may have killed half the population. In 1361, the plague returned, and again at intervals for centuries.

By 1500, the population of Winchester may have fallen to about 4,000. It rose a little in the 16th century, and may have been about 6,000 in 1600, despite outbreaks of plague, which killed a large portion of the population each time it struck. The plague struck again in 1603 and again in 1625, with the last outbreak being in 1665-66.

In 1840, the railway reached Winchester, making it possible for tourists to travel to Winchester, and it also encouraged new industries to move to the town. The population grew rapidly. It had less than 6,000 people in 1801 and rose to 13,000 in 1851 and over 17,000 in 1891.

Today, the population of Winchester is 40,000.