Wolvesey Castle (Old Bishop's Palace) — Attraction in Winchester

Wolvesey Castle was one of the greatest medieval buildings is England - the palace of the powerful and wealthy bishops of Winchester.

Throughout the medieval period the bishops of Winchester held one of the highest positions of power in the English church, as well as in national politics.

They owned vast estates stretching from Somerset to London which brought them great wealth.

Although known today as a castle, Wolvesey was in fact a luxurious palace.

The surviving ruins of Wolvesey were largely the creation of one man, Bishop Henry of Blois, 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 one large hall block, which had been built in about 1110 by the previous bishop, William Giffard .

Until his death 42 years later, Henry continually added new buildings, which consist of another hall block, a keep, a defensive tower, further walls and two gatehouses.

Henry's palace survived virtually intact for the next 500 years! It is his work that comprises most of the ruins seen today.

The ruins are now in the care of English Heritage.

The entry is free.

Opening times : April - October (daily) from 10 am till 5 pm. From November - March ( only Saturdays and Sundays) from 10 am to 4 pm.

Definitely...

Wolvesey Castle was once the medieval palace of the Bishops of Winchester. The first residence on the site was built in the early 12th century, but most of the ruins can be attributed to Bishop Henry of Blois. Bishop Henry was immensely wealthy and powerful, he was also brother of King Stephen. During the Anarchy, the 12th century civil war between King Stephen and Empress Matilda, Henry of Blois changed sides several times and laid siege to Winchester with Matilda trapped inside. It is believed Bishop Henry fortified the bishops palace in the years after the Anarchy to try and restore his reputation and authority. Wolvesey continued to be an important and wealthy palace in the following centuries, just one of many grand houses and castles owned by the Bishops of Winchester. The palace was destroyed by the Parliamentarian army during the English Civil War. Wolvesey was finally abandoned in the 1680s when a new palace was built beside the medieval one. The new palace remains the Bishop's residence and can be seen next door...

I always thought that Winchester was a very interesting place. Steeped in awesomely important historic facts and figures. Wolvesey castle was one of the greatest medieval buildings in England. The palace of the powerful and wealthy Bishops of Winchester. One of the most important Norman Palaces in England. It was built during a period when Winchester was second only to London as a royal and ecclesiastical centre. The palace remained in use until the 1680s, when Bishop George Morley decided to build a new palace nearby. Though ruinous the buildings still evoke an impression of their former grandeur. The last great occasion here was on 25th July 1554 when the east hall was transformed with silk and gold hangings for Queen 👑 Mary and Philip of Spain's...