Winchester in Hampshire, England, United Kingdom — Northwestern Europe (the British Isles)
The Home of Bishop Henry
Photographed by Ray Gurganus, April 2, 2024
1. The Home of Bishop Henry Marker
When Henry of Blois became bishop of Winchester in 1129, the residence consisted of a large hall block (the 'west hall'), which had been built in about 1110 by the previous bishop, William Giffard (1107-29).
Until his death 42 years later, Henry continually added new buildings. Starting with another hall block (the 'east hall), he then added a keep, a defensive tower and two gatehouses. Directly in front of you are the foundations of one of these gatehouses, which stood within this southern entrance courtyard.
Although subsequent bishops carried out various repairs and alterations to the buildings, Henry's palace survived virtually intact for the next 500 years. It is his work that comprises most of the ruins seen today.
By 1170 the palace was surrounded by a moat and arranged around an inner courtyard. The south-west part, connected to the chapel, lies under the present bishop's house and garden.
Some clues to help you understand
this page online
• the interior of rooms have gravel surfaces, while outside areas such as courtyards are now under grass
• walls of rough flint rubble would have been faced in high-quality cut stone.
• red tiles, inserted during repairs in the early 1930s, show where facing stones have been robbed from the ruins
Erected by English Heritage.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Forts and Castles. A significant historical year for this entry is 1129.
Location. 51° 3.526′ N, 1° 18.615′ W. Marker is in Winchester, England, in Hampshire. It can be reached from College Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 34 College Street, Winchester, England SO23 9NB, United Kingdom. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Greater South East. Globally, it is on the Atlantic Ocean, in the North Atlantic Region, in Europe, in Atlantic Europe, on one of the British Isles, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Roman Empire.
Photographed by Ray Gurganus, April 2, 2024
2. The Home of Bishop Henry of Blois
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Wolvesey Castle (a few steps from this marker); The Fortification of Wolvesey (within shouting distance of this marker); An Audience with the Bishop (within shouting distance of this marker); A Travelling Lifestyle (within shouting distance of this marker); The Early Palace and the West Hall (within shouting distance of this marker); The Treasury (within shouting distance of this marker); Early Medieval Plumbing (within shouting distance of this marker); Woodman's Gate (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Winchester.
Credits. This page was last revised on May 10, 2024. It was originally submitted on May 9, 2024, by Ray Gurganus of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 190 times since then and 85 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 9, 2024, by Ray Gurganus of Washington, District of Columbia. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
