Wells Bishop's Palace

Overview

The Bishop’s Palace at Wells is one of the finest surviving examples of a medieval episcopal residence in England. Located beside Wells Cathedral in Somerset, the palace has served as the home of the Bishops of Bath and Wells for more than 800 years. Surrounded by a broad, water-filled moat and approached via a picturesque gatehouse, the palace combines the grandeur of medieval architecture with the serenity of landscaped gardens. It remains partly in use as the bishop’s residence, while large areas are open to the public under the care of the Wells Cathedral Trust.

Early history

The origins of the Bishop’s Palace date to the early 13th century, when Bishop Jocelin of Wells (1206–1242) established a residence beside his newly completed cathedral. His aim was to create a permanent seat for the bishopric, reflecting both ecclesiastical authority and the need for security in an unsettled period. Jocelin’s successors expanded and fortified the complex, enclosing it with high stone walls and a broad moat fed by the nearby springs — the very “wells” from which the city takes its name.

Building and layout

The palace is entered through a fortified gatehouse with a portcullis, built in the 14th century under Bishop Ralph of Shrewsbury, who also completed the moat and curtain wall. Within the enclosure lies a mixture of medieval and later buildings arranged around a courtyard. The great hall, built around 1280, once served as the bishop’s main audience chamber and is now partly in ruins, its picturesque windows overlooking the gardens. Adjoining it are the bishop’s private apartments, chapel, and service ranges. The surrounding moat, crossed by a stone bridge, was both a defensive feature and a symbol of ecclesiastical independence.

Later history and restoration

Although fortified, the Bishop’s Palace was not built for war but as a secure and dignified residence for church leaders. It remained the seat of the bishops throughout the Reformation and Civil War, when it suffered limited damage compared with many similar houses. In the 18th and 19th centuries, successive bishops undertook significant restorations and additions, including landscaped gardens and the creation of the now-famous swan population — trained to ring bells at the gatehouse for food. The palace continued to host official events and visiting dignitaries while maintaining its spiritual and administrative role.

Present condition

Today, the Bishop’s Palace is partly occupied by the Bishop of Bath and Wells, with the remainder managed as a historic attraction open to visitors. The site includes the medieval gatehouse, moat, ruins of the great hall, chapel, and extensive gardens, including the natural springs that feed the moat. The palace is a Grade I listed building and forms part of the Wells Cathedral Close, one of the best-preserved ecclesiastical precincts in England. Its tranquil setting, architectural splendour, and living traditions make Wells Bishop’s Palace an enduring symbol of the continuity of the English Church and the deep roots of medieval craftsmanship and faith.