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Pictures of Bishop's Palace, Wells

a Historic Building in the town of Wells, in the county of Somerset

Reflection of the Gatehouse in the moat. The Bishops Palace, Wells.

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About Bishop's Palace, Wells

The Bishop's Palace in the enchanting tiny cathedral city of Wells where there is a predominance of beautiful buildings, is evocative of the time when the power of the church was absolute, and Bishop's lived in a splendour fit for kings.

The building has been the home of the Bishop's of Bath and Wells for over 800 years. It was constructed around 1285, when the waters of St.Andrew's Spring were used to create a wide moat surrounding the wall with its four corner towers. The entrance to the palace was guarded by a fortified gatehouse made of two octagonal towers. In the 1550's one Bishop sold the lead from the towers and these buildings are partially ruined. New buildings were added later to make the palace habitable again.

Visitors to the palace are able to see mute swans gliding across the moat to ring a bell for food, also available to see is the Bishop's private Chapel, the ruined Great Hall, the Gatehouse with portcullis and drawbridge, plus 14 acres of magnificent gardens containing springs from which the city takes its name. The gardens provide a home for wildlife, and beside the mute swans, ducks and other species can be spotted. There is also a pretty " well house" of 1541 and an arboretum planted in 1977 to celebrate the Silver Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II. As you can imagine the gardens are extremely tranquil, providing a lovely spot for peaceful reflection or a tranquil place to enjoy a picnic.

In the palace there is an exhibition gallery with changing exhibitions of art, glass, sculpture, spinning, weaving, woodcarving and embroidery, some of which is the work of local artists. There is also a Palace shop for the purchase of souvenirs and plants grown in the Bishop's garden.

Of all the stunning medieval buildings of Wells, the Bishop's Palace is singularly beautiful, it is easy to see just why the great architectural historian Nicholas Pevsner described it as "the most memorable of all Bishop's Palace's in England" for that is justifiably so.

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Recommended towns & villages near Bishop's Palace, Wells

	Wells (0.1 miles, 0.1 km) Wells, situated at the foot of the picturesque mendip hills, is most certainly one of England's most delightful cathedral cities... Information \| Pictures (116) \| Hotels \| Holiday Cottages
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Hotels near Bishop's Palace, Wells

Hotels near Bishop's Palace, Wells Cottages near Bishop's Palace, Wells Bed & Breakfast near Bishop's Palace, Wells

	The Crown at Wells Wells, Somerset, England (0.1 miles, 0.2 km) This former 15th-century coaching inn offers en suite accommodation, free Wi-Fi and free parking on site. It is close to Wells Cathedral and Bishop’s Palace, and William Penn once preached there in ... More info and book online.. Price from £45.00
	The Ancient Gatehouse Wells, Somerset, England (0.2 miles, 0.3 km) Set in a stunning location on Wells Cathedral Green, facing the West Front, the Ancient Gatehouse is well positioned for discovering Somerset's historic beauty spots.... More info and book online.. Price from £67.00
	The White Hart Hotel Wells, Somerset, England (0.2 miles, 0.3 km) This restored 15th century coaching inn is situated in the heart of the small medieval city of Wells, by the cathedral green, just metres away from the ancient marketplace.... More info and book online.. Price from £50.00
	Best Western Plus Swan Hotel Wells, Somerset, England (0.2 miles, 0.3 km) Situated in England's smallest cathedral city, The Swan provides excellent accommodation and hotel facilities. The Swan makes an ideal base for exploring Somerset. Visit Bath, Bristol, Wookey Hole Ca... More info and book online.. Price from £90.00
	Swan Mews Wells, Somerset, England (0.2 miles, 0.3 km) In a quiet, central location in Wells, these beautiful self-contained, fully equipped apartments are ideally placed for the beautiful county of Somerset. Owned by the Swan Hotel, the modern apartment... More info and book online.. Price from £114.00