Bishop's Palace and Bishop's House, Episcopal palace and historic house museum in Wells, England
The Bishop's Palace in Wells is a fortified residence with protective walls, a moat crossed by drawbridge, and set within grounds featuring maintained gardens. The compound includes a medieval vaulted chapel, long gallery spaces, and numerous old wells fed by natural springs.
The site began as a bishop's residence in 1210 under Jocelin and remained the seat of ecclesiastical authority for centuries. By the 14th century, Bishop Ralph of Shrewsbury reinforced it with defensive structures to protect against local upheaval.
The site reflects the authority and influence of the Church in the region, serving as a seat of religious power where important ecclesiastical decisions were made. The blend of residential and ceremonial spaces shows how church leaders lived and governed daily.
The palace interiors including the chapel and vaulted spaces are open to visitors, while the Bishop's House section remains private residential space. The grounds are accessible year-round and allow for leisurely exploration of the gardens and outdoor areas.
The moat is home to trained mute swans that play an unusual role in daily life by ringing bells when hungry. This singular tradition began in the 1870s and remains one of the most memorable features of a visit.
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