The Bishop’s Palace and accompanying Bishops House at Wells in the English county of Somerset, is adjacent to Wells Cathedral and has been the home of the Bishops of the Diocese of Bath and Wells for 800 years. It has been designated by English Heritage as a Grade I listed building.
Building of the palace started around 1210 by Bishops Jocelin of Wells and Reginald Fitz Jocelin. The chapel and great hall were added by Bishop Robert Burnell between 1275 and 1292. The walls, gatehouse and moatwere added in the 14th century by Bishop Ralph of Shrewsbury. The Bishops House was added in the 15th century by Bishop Thomas Beckington. The great hall later fell into disrepair and was partially demolished around 1830.
The palace was originally surrounded by a medieval deer park. When the walls were built, streams were diverted to form the moat as a reservoir. In the 1820s, the grounds within the walls were planted and laid out as pleasure grounds by Bishop George Law, who created a reflecting pond near the springs. Parts of the buildings are still used as a residence by the current bishop, however much of the palace is now used for public functions and as a tourist attraction.
this is an amazing old Bishop’s House Cherie… i just love the hanging stained glass angle….peter:)
The Angel is quite stunning. She started out as a giant Christmas decoration above a shop front in Bath. The artist (Shula Newick) made the frame from willow grown on the Somerset levels, which she covered with polyester silk.
You’d be the foremost authority on English historical buildings I’d say, Cherie.
I like to visit and learn. I give full credit to the guidebooks and signboards that provide me with informative and sometimes fascinating information.
What an interesting post and building. I just love the dragons and hanging angel. Looks a wonderful place to visit.
It is an interesting place to visit. There is a guided tour which provides additional information, although on this occasion we did not take up the tour option.
Quite a beautiful building and interior.
It is, thank you
excellent post of this most interesting place. i liked the dragons on the staircase railings and the angle in front of the twin arches.
I am glad you enjoyed the post. My favourite photo is the last one. I love the light shining in through the windows.
Some interesting features inside.
The Bishop’s Palace is well worth a visit
Gosh, those interiors are really lovely and I especially like the photo you took of the window to the outside. I would definitely like Wells.
In that photo I like the Bishop’s Mitre on top of the roof
Have you been to Lambeth Palace in London?
It’s also a bishop’s palace.
I have only been to their garden.
Bought some honey there.
I have not yet visited Lambeth Palace…