Wolvesey Castle (Old Bishop's Palace)
Wolvesey Castle
The 12th-century palace ruins of Winchester's bishops, once the residence of England's wealthiest bishop, where Mary I and Philip II of Spain held their wedding feast in 1554.
Wolvesey Castle was built in the 12th century by Henry of Blois, Bishop of Winchester. At that time the Winchester diocese was England's richest, and its palace was grand in scale. In 1554, Mary I married Prince Philip of Spain at the cathedral, and the wedding feast was held in the east hall. The palace was damaged during the English Civil War, and today only its tall stone walls and arches remain; the Baroque-style bishop's palace beside it is still in use. Managed by English Heritage, it is free to visit. It lies on the south side of the cathedral and can be reached on foot along the city walls and the River Itchen.
Opening hours
Apr–Oct approx. 10:00–17:00
Nearby sights
- Statue of Alfred the Great
- Winchester City Mill
- Winchester College
- Winchester Cathedral
- Buttercross & High Street
- Westgate Museum
- Winchester Military Museums
- The Great Hall & Round Table