Bishop's Waltham Palace, Medieval episcopal ruins in Bishop's Waltham, England.
Bishop's Waltham Palace is a medieval ruin in Hampshire featuring a three-story tower, remains of a great hall, and substantial stone walls surrounded by a moat. The complex spreads across several areas, each showing different functions of the episcopal residence.
A bishop named Henry began construction in 1135, and it then served for centuries as a residence for Winchester bishops. Decline came in 1644 when Parliamentary forces destroyed the structures during a conflict.
The site reflects how bishops governed and lived here for centuries, with visitors able to trace daily life through the remaining structures. The ruins convey the importance this place held for ecclesiastical authority across the region.
The grounds are accessible and allow visitors to explore the ruins from different angles, with most areas being walkable. Comfortable shoes are recommended since the terrain can be uneven and some paths cross over old stone remains.
Important political negotiations took place here, including a significant meeting between an English king and a European ruler in the early 1500s. The event highlights the palace's role as a center of power and diplomacy during that era.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
