The ruins of Wolvesey Palace are situated next to the current residence of of the Bishop of Winchester.

The surviving ruins of Wolvesey were largely the creation of one man, Bishop Henry of Blois (1129-71), who built a palace befitting his immense wealth and powerful position.

When Henry of Blois became bishop of Winchester in 1129, the residence consisted of a large hall block (the ‘west hall’), which had been built in about 1110 by the previous bishop, William Giffard (1107 – 29).*

Until his death 42 years later, Henry continually added new buildings. Starting with another hall block (the ‘east hall’), he then added a keep, a defensive tower and two gatehouses.

Although subsequent bishops carried out various repairs and alterations to the buildings, Henry’s palace survived virtually intact for the next 500 years. It is his work that comprises most of the ruins we see today.*

*From an information board with in the ruins