Bishop's Palace, Wells

En un regard

Le château en bref

South of Wells Cathedral, the palace of the Bishops of Bath and Wells forms an island apart: a fortified enclosure surrounded by a water-filled moat, entered over a drawbridge and through a 14th-century gatehouse. Behind its crenellated curtain walls stand in succession the 13th-century palace, the ruins of an immense great hall, a chapel and the north wing where the bishop still lives. The ensemble bears witness to the power of the medieval prelates, who built here one of the most remarkable episcopal residences in England. Architectural historians highlight the quality of its first-floor hall, contemporary with those of St David's and Southwark, and the vault of its undercroft carried on slender Purbeck shafts. The site also owes its name to the springs that well up in the gardens: it is they that feed the moat and gave the city its name. Remodelled in the 19th century in the Picturesque spirit, the gardens combine lawns, notable trees, a pool and views of the cathedral. Now managed by a trust, the palace welcomes visitors, weddings, events and filming, while remaining the official residence of the bishop.