Wolvesey Castle, Winchester

England
Hampshire

The Castle ruins

Wolvesey Castle (Old Bishop's Palace)

Formerly the principle residence of the Bishops of Winchester, Wolvesey Castle was an extensive keep and bailey castle built about 1100 on a site in use during the Anglo-Saxon period.

That early Norman building was extended and "modernised" by the powerful Henry of Blois, Bishop of Winchester during the Civil War between Queen Matilda and King Stephen (1135-48).

Henry, who was also Stephen's brother, had to take refuge within Wolvesey at one point in the conflict, and withstand a short siege.

The castle saw many an important visitor over the years, but the last great moment of its history came on 25 July, 1554, when Philip II of Spain and Queen Mary of England had their wedding breakfast here before proceeding to the Cathedral for the wedding ceremony.

The present Bishop's Palace

In 1680 the castle was demolished in order to build a new palace in the then-popular Baroque style. That palace can be seen directly beside the ruins. All that remains of Wolvesey itself are ruined walls and the chapel, which was incorporated into the new palace.

Across the road is Winchester College public school.

The castle is in the care of English Heritage.

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Text and images © David Ross and Britain Express