The Bishop's Palace, Salisbury

The Bishop's Palace was established in the early 13th century by Bishop Richard Poore, at the same time the new cathedral was being built. For more than 700 years, it served as the official residence of the Bishops of Salisbury and played an important role in the religious and administrative life of the cathedral community. Since 1947, however, the historic building has been home to Salisbury Cathedral School, giving it a continuing educational purpose while preserving its historic character.

Medieval undercrofts, a 15th-century tower, and a Tudor chapel show the palace’s long architectural development. Constructed mainly of limestone, the complex illustrates how successive bishops adapted the residence over the centuries, creating a building that combines medieval foundations with later architectural styles.

During the English Civil War, Parliamentary forces occupied the palace, and after the conflict parts of the building were temporarily used as an inn and residential accommodation before restoration in the 1660s. Although not generally open to the public, its historic exterior can be admired from the Cathedral Close.