Lambeth Palace, Medieval palace on River Thames south bank, England
Lambeth Palace is a residence on the south bank of the Thames in London that includes a large courtyard with a garden. The grounds are enclosed by a tall brick wall, while buildings are arranged around the central cloister.
The complex began in the early 13th century as a residence for the archbishop and was expanded several times over the centuries. After destruction in the 17th century, rebuilding followed that shaped the structures you see today.
The name comes from the old English word for landing place, as the grounds once stood right on tidal water. Today the Archbishop of Canterbury lives in parts of the building and uses the chapel for private worship and receptions.
A visit is only possible through guided tours that must be booked in advance and are usually limited to a few dates each year. Entrances are located on the riverside near Lambeth Bridge.
The tower at the main entrance carries the name of a 15th-century archbishop and is one of the oldest surviving parts of the complex. The small crypt below the chapel dates from Norman times and survived all later rebuilding.
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