The Bishop’s Palace and Gardens

The Bishop’s Palace dates from the early-thirteenth century when Bishop Jocelin Trotman received a crown license to build a residence and deer park on land to the south of the Cathedral of St Andrew. Visitors entering under the central porch step back almost 800 years into Bishop Jocelin’s vaulted Entrance Hall.

The building was originally begun around 1210 by Bishop Jocelin of Wells but principally dates from 1230. It was restored and the upper storey added by Benjamin Ferrey between 1846 and 1854. The north wing (which is now the Bishop’s residence) was added in the 15th century by Bishop Beckington,further additions and modifications were made in the 18th century, and in 1810 by Bishop Beadon.

The internal gardens are a haven of peace and tranquility where you are free to wander over the lawns past flower-beds, specimen trees and shrubs. By taking a wooden bridge over the moat visitors can also explore the outer gardens where a path leads to a small stone conduit, known as the Well House, which was built by Bishop Thomas Beckynton in 1451.
 
The chapel was built between 1275 and 1292 for Bishop Robert Burnell.

The gatehouse has a bridge over the moat and dates from 1341.

After a Bishop in the 1550s sold the lead from the roofs it left Bishop Brunel’s Great Hall in ruins.

The main palace is open to the public, including the chapel and a long gallery.

One of the two surviving Glastonbury chairs may be seen, together with other early furniture.