While visiting Wells, the city with the superb Cathedral, we also saw the Palace of the Bishop of Wells. Now, when I think of a Bishop, the first thing I think of is NOT a Palace. He is a holy man and should be above that, I thought.
I was wrong. In very old times (this palace was built in the 1400s), the bishops were very political. The Bishop who built this Palace designed it for himself to entice royalty to visit. His wish was not granted in his day by King Edward III, but later, royals graced it when it was inhabited by later Bishops.
So, I did not expect the lavish living quarters that dwarfed the city and other dwellings.
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Some of the older Bishops. |
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This palace is next to the cathedral, but it has its own church for influential people. |
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See the crown above the gate. That means at least one King or Queen has visited it.
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Remains of the dining hall, built for King Edward's proposed visit. |
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From the courtyard of the Palace. Humility is a virtue. |
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The windows above the city gate were where the Bishop could watch the public and see any sins.
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