Winchester in Hampshire, England, United Kingdom — Northwestern Europe (the British Isles)
An Audience with the Bishop
The hall was probably built by 1138, when the Winchester Annals record that 'Bishop Henry built a house like a palace'. However, within 20 years of its construction, Henry had remodelled the building, raising the hall to first-floor level.
Henry needed a suitably grand hall for his important duties so that he could hold large meetings, receive important visitors, and entertain his guests. An outstanding 27 metres long, and displaying the latest fashionable architectural features, this hall was clearly designed to impress.
Appointed abbot of Glastonbury in 1126, Henry became bishop of Winchester three years later. When his brother Stephen was appointed king in 1135, he took on the role of the king's chief advisor, and in 1139 he became papal legate, the pope's representative in England.
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Henry of Blois, depicted as Pope Desiderious with St Jerome, in an initial from the illuminated Winchester Bible. Dating from about 1160, the bible is thought to have been commissioned by Bishop Henry, a great patron of the arts.
Erected by English Heritage.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Architecture. A significant historical year for this entry is 1138.
Location. 51° 3.541′ N, 1° 18.599′ W. Marker is in Winchester, England, in Hampshire. Marker can be reached from East Links. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 15 East Links, Winchester, England, United Kingdom. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Fortification of Wolvesey (here, next to this marker); The Home of Bishop Henry (within shouting distance of this marker); Welcome to Wolvesey Castle (about 120 meters away, measured in a direct line); Seagram's Mill (about 150 meters away); River Itchen (about 180 meters away); Alfred, King of the West Saxons (AD 871-899) (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); Jane Austen (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); Chesil Rectory (approx. 0.3 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Winchester.
Credits. This page was last revised on May 11, 2024. It was originally submitted on May 11, 2024, by Ray Gurganus of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 34 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 11, 2024, by Ray Gurganus of Washington, District of Columbia. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
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