Wolvesey Castle, Winchester, HantsThe Old Bishop's PalaceWolvesey Castle in Winchester, Hants is also known as The Old Bishop's Palace. Now an attractive ruin but it has seen the making of English history! Makes a pleasant hour or two's visit.
The Castle is another of Winchester's connection with Queen Mary I and Philip of Spain. They dined there on their wedding day in 1554. An earlier royal event causing fuss and feasting was the wedding of King Henry IV and Joan of Navarre in 1402. Today this old structure is looked after by English Heritage. Take a pleasant walk from the bottom of the High Street along the riverside path, past the old city walls, to the Bishop's Palace to visit this gem of a ruin. Delightful spot. A great deal is known about it and English Heritage have informative signs about each area.
It was actually a luxurious palace occupied by the powerful Bishops of Winchester. What it must have seen – if only walls could talk!!! Originally built around 1100 it started life as a keep and bailey castle. It was not the first building on the site as there was a Saxon one before that probably made of wood as many were. Itt is a ruin is because Oliver Cromwell knocked it about a bit in the English Civil War, the war that waged during 1642 to 1651 between the Royalists and the Roundheads caused a lot of destruction of buildings in England. That the Saxons built the Bishop's Palace here to start with makes a lot of sense. Between the seat of power in the Royal Castle and close to the river. River was important, no taps then, wells were needed!!
The attractive house you can see nearby is the wing of an old Baroque house built in the 1600's that has been and still is the residence of the Bishops of Winchester.
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Useful Information
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Wolvesey Castle is an English Heritage property.
Location
Alongside the pretty River Itchen in Winchester. Opposite the Winchester City Mill on the B3404 is an inviting footpath alongside the river, amble down the path until you reach the Castle
Parking
No parking on site. Plenty of parking in Winchester. There is no parking on the B3404 alongside the footpath, but not too far away. The B3404 here is narrow and busy
Admission to Wolvesey Castle is Free
Opening Times
Open Daily
Until 1st October 2011 10am to 5pm
After 1st October - to be advised.
Facilities
Site is designated hazardous - watch children!
Picnic area
Dogs allowed on a lead