Wander beside the grand halls of Wolvesey and see rows of beautifully preserved stone arches. See where great banquets took place and find out the names of royal guests who visited the castle.
Constructed during the 12th century by Henry of Blois, Wolvesey was the palatial residence of the Bishop of Winchester through the medieval era.
Walk past the present home of the bishop and enter the castle courtyard. In earlier times, you would have had to cross a deep moat that surrounded the castle, but this has since been filled in.
Once inside, turn to your left to see the remains of the west hall. It is partly buried beneath the modern palace, but the northern end is visible. This is joined to a latrine block that would have emptied into the moat.
From here, you can see the opposite side of the castle that is still largely intact. Most notable is the east hall, which measures 88 feet (27 metres) and was comprised of multiple levels. Admire the rows of curved windows and arched portals that were shaped using small blocks of heavy stone. The hall was used as a public audience chamber for meetings and ceremonies.
Gaze beyond the east hall to a narrow building that appears to be a tower. Closer inspection reveals thin walls that would have been unsuitable for defence. Instead, this area was a kitchen where the wedding feast of Queen Mary I and Phillip II of Spain was prepared in 1554. The information signs nearby reveal that King Henry IV and Joan of Navarre also shared an important meal here in 1403.
Wolvesey Castle is situated in central Winchester, a short stroll southeast of Winchester Cathedral. The castle is open daily between April and November and admission is free.
