Bishop's Palace, Exeter
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The Bishop's Palace is the residence of the Bishop of Exeter in Exeter, Devon.[1] It is a Grade I Listed building.[2]
| Bishop's Palace | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Bishop's Palace, Exeter, circa 1865 | |
 | |
| General information | |
| Architectural style | Gothic |
| Location | Exeter, Devon |
| Country | England |
| Coordinates | 50°43′19.560″N 3°31′45.408″W5 |
| Year(s) built | Mostly 13th & 19th centuries |
| Owner | The Dean and Chapter |
| Technical details | |
| Material | Heavitree stone |
History
The Bishop's Palace was originally built under William Briwere, an early 13th century Bishop of Exeter.[3]
The palace originally incorporated a great hall, though this was later demolished.[3]
In 1916, the palace was requisitioned by the government and served as a military hospital during the First World War.[4]
The palace returned to use as the Bishop of Exeter's residence in 1948.[4]
The garden is thought to be the oldest in Devon.[5] The grounds contain a first generation Lucombe oak.[6]
Architecture
The palace was originally built in the 13th century of Heavitree stone.[2] The building underwent extensive work by Ewan Christian in 1846-8.[2]
The chapel was built in the 13th century and later restored by William Butterfield.[2]
The palace's south porch holds an inner doorway built circa 1200 composed of a monumental Gothic arch.[7]
An early 16th century oriel window was taken from the house of Thomas Elyot by St Petrock's Church, Exeter, when it was demolished with the Broadgate around 1840.[1][2][3]
The Gatehouse
The gatehouse to the Bishop's Palace is separately Grade I Listed.[8]
Like the palace itself, the gatehouse was built of red Heavitree stone, though probably slightly later in the 14th century.[8] However, some of the timbers date from the 13th century and possibly the late 12th century.[9]
The gatehouse was altered in the 18th century with a Georgian staircase and sash windows.[8] Stone windows and a half-timbered top storey were added by William Butterfield.[8] A modern slate roof has since been added.[8]
The medieval palace wall, also built of Heavitree stone, is separately Grade II Listed.[10]
Exeter Cathedral Library & Archives
.jpg)
The west wing of the Bishop's Palace houses the extensive library and archives of Exeter Cathedral.[11][12]
The collections span the 10th to 21st centuries and include the Exeter Book.[13]
The archive is open to researchers on appointment.[12]
See also
References
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