The Bishop’s Palace in Wells dates from the early thirteenth century when Bishop Jocelin Trotman, the first Bishop to hold the title of 'Bishop of Bath and Wells', received a crown licence to build a residence and deer park on land to the south of the Cathedral of St Andrew. Visitors entering through the central porch step back almost 800 years into Bishop Jocelin’s vaulted Entrance Hall. The Palace has been the home of the Bishops of Bath and Wells for 800 years. There are 14 acres of gardens including the springs from which the city takes its name. Visitors can also see the Bishop's private Chapel, and state rooms, ruined Great Hall and the Gatehouse with portcullis and drawbridge beside which the famous mute swans ring a bell for food.
The Bishop's Palace boasts a collection of portraits of the Bishops of Bath and Wells acquired by gift or purchase by Bishop Law in around 1827. Law started the Collection to replace the much earlier portraits which were removed or lost as the result of looting by Parliamentarian troops during the Civil War. They are displayed in their original historic hanging in the state rooms. The portraits allow visitors to follow the development of the depiction of the Bishops over the centuries. This can be seen in the poses, in the clothing, the choice of background, and their accessories.
The Bishop’s Palace is open daily from 1st April to 31st October, 10.30am–6pm, and on Saturdays, 10.30am–2pm. Last admission is one hour before closing. Guided tours are daily at 11.30am starting at the entrance. Brochures with detailed information about the portrait collection are available in the Palace Rooms. For further information please contact the Palace by telephone or email.
Artworks
James Montagu (1568?–1618), Bishop of Wells (1608–1616) British School
The Bishop's Palace & Gardens
Richard Bagot (1782–1854), Bishop of Wells (1845–1854)Francis Grant (1803–1878) (after)
The Bishop's Palace & Gardens
Thomas Godwin (1517–1590), Bishop of Wells (1584–1590) British School
The Bishop's Palace & Gardens
Richard Fox (c.1448–1528), Bishop of Wells (1492–1494)Hans Corvus (active 1512–after 1544) (after)
The Bishop's Palace & Gardens
Edward Willes (1693–1773), Bishop of Wells (1743–1773)Thomas Hudson (1701–1779)
The Bishop's Palace & Gardens
James Montagu (1568?–1618), Bishop of Wells (1608–1616) British School
The Bishop's Palace & Gardens
John Monier Bickersteth (b.1921), Bishop of Wells (1975–1987)Humphrey Ocean (b.1951)