The earliest part of the Bishop’s Palace in Wells was built in 1206 by Bishop Jocelyn, who also built a two storey chapel on this site. Some years later between 1275 and 1292 Bishop Burnell used the existing foundations to change the chapel into the single storey building we see today. In the nineteenth century a second storey was added to the Palace building and the chapel parapets were raised to keep the Chapel in proportion.
To celebrate the eight hundred years since Bishop Jocelyn was granted land to build a Palace in Wells in 1206, a new altar and presidential chair were commissioned.
The celtic knot design represents reconciliation and connectedness.
The altar stone is engraved with the words: ‘God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself and he has given to us the ministry of reconciliation.’ (2 Corinthians 5.18)
*information taken from the The Chapel of the Holy Trinity and St Mark information booklet
The single storey building that you photographed is beautiful and perfectly designed for the late 13th century, but I wonder what was wrong with the older, two storey chapel. Great garden as well.
The information available is a bit sketchy on that.
The last photo sort of remind me of where a jury would be seated.
Coffee is on
I see what you mean
I was going to say I love these small chapels but it’s none too small, is it?
It isn’t tiny but to my mind’s eye it is quite small.
The history behind these buildings is incredible.
I agree, it is very interesting.
Why does this appeal to me? Well, perhaps ’tis because I could have been a Bishop. Back in my day the first son inherited the farm: the subsequent sons either took a horse, saddle and sword, or the Cassock. Ib being a bit of a bad-lad, a tearaway, took the horse+. But……
I can quite see you as a bishop
Marvellous palace!!!
I am amzed with it’s beauty and elegance.
It is amazing that such old building is still in outstanding condition
It is a fine building, I can only imagine what it must have looked like when it was all still standing.
The presidential chair is a bit too new for this old church.
I quite like it in the setting