The Lincoln Medieval Bishops’ Palace was built in the 12th century on a hill overlooking the city of Lincoln. It was designed to be a grand and impressive residence for the Bishops of Lincoln and was built in a style that was typical of medieval palaces, with large halls, chapels, and gardens.
The palace was home to the Bishops of Lincoln for over 500 years. During that time, the palace was a centre of power and influence in the city of Lincoln. The Bishops of Lincoln were responsible for the administration of the diocese, and they also had influence over local government.
The palace was damaged during the English Civil War in the 1640s. During the Civil War, the palace was used as a barracks by the Parliamentarians, and it was damaged by artillery fire. After the war, the palace was abandoned, and it has been in ruins ever since.
![The Medieval Bishop's Palace in Lincoln, Lincolnshire (Photo: Olivia Notter [CC BY-SA 2.0])](https://englandrover.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/lincoln-medieval-bishops-palace-1280x853.jpg)
What to see at the Lincoln Medieval Bishops’ Palace
Despite its ruined state, the Lincoln Medieval Bishops’ Palace is still an impressive sight. Visitors can explore the ruins of the palace, and they can learn about the history of the site from the on-site exhibits.
Some of the highlights of a visit to the Lincoln Medieval Bishops’ Palace include:
- The East Hall, which is the largest surviving part of the palace and it was once used for banquets and other events.
- The chapel, which was once the centre of religious life at the palace. The chapel is now in ruins, but it is still an impressive sight.
- The gardens at the palace were once beautifully landscaped and are still a pleasant place to walk. The gardens include the only vineyard in an English Heritage property.
Visiting the Lincoln Medieval Bishops’ Palace
The palace is located in the Cathedral Quarter of Lincoln and it is a short walk from Lincoln Cathedral and Lincoln Castle. Most other points of interest in the city centre are not much more than a 10–15-minute walk away.
The palace is open to the public Friday to Sunday from April to early November and admission is free of charge for English Heritage members and holders of the English Heritage Overseas Visitors Pass.
Allow 1–2 hours for your visit to the Lincoln Medieval Bishops’ Palace.
Free entry to Lincoln Medieval Bishops’ Palace with the English Heritage Overseas Visitors Pass
The English Heritage Overseas Visitors Pass gives you free entry to Lincoln Medieval Bishops’ Palace and over 100 other historic buildings and monuments in England.
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