Ancient diocese, founded by transference from Ramsbury, with Saint Osmund as first bishop, in 1015, the see having originated in the foundation of Dorchester by Saint Birinus in 634, and having been located successively at Winchester, Sherborne, and Ramsbury. Last Catholic bishop was John Capon (died 1551). The ordinal of Saint Osmund became the basis of the Sarum Rite. The cathedral, completed in 1266, is the flrst important building in the early English style, and its spire, regarded as the finest in Europe, is among the loftiest in the world.
This dictionary contains not only definitions and explanations of every subject in Religion, Scripture, tradition, doctrine, morals, sacraments, rites, customs, devotions and symbolism, but also accounts of the Church in every continent, country, diocese; missions, notable Catholic centers, cities, and places with religious names; religious orders, church societies, sects and false religions. It has brief articles also on historical events and personages, on the Old Testament and New, and on popes, prelates, priests, men and women of distinction, showing what the Church has done for civilization and correcting many errors which have hitherto passed for history.Wikipedia
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