Wolvesey Castle, Winchester (Winchester)
The palace was the chief residence of the Bishops of Winchester.
Introduction
Begun as a 12th-century Norman keep and bailey castle, the palace was the chief residence of the Bishops of Winchester. Situated next to Winchester Cathedral, its extensive ruins reflect their importance and wealth. The last great occasion at Wolvesey was on 25 July 1554, when Queen Mary and Philip of Spain held their wedding breakfast in the East Hall. The castle was destroyed by Roundheads during the English Civil War in 1646.
The Castle is open from 6th April to 30th September 10am-5pm, seven days a week. There is a tour daily at 2pm.
History to the present day
Wolvesey Castle was built around 1100 on a site in use during the Anglo-Saxon period. It was formerly the principle residence of the Bishops of Winchester.
Philip II of Spain and Queen Mary of England had their wedding breakfast at the castle.In 1680 the castle was demolished after it was destroyed by the roundheads in the English Civil War, in order to build a new palace.The palace can be seen beside the ruins, and all that remains of Wolvesey itself are ruined walls and the chapel, which was incorporated into the new palace.
Photographs are copyright of English Heritage Photographic Library.
