Last week my daughter took me to Bishop’s Waltham, a village a few miles from her home in Hampshire to see the ruins of its medieval palace. The buildings are full of atmosphere and set in lovely grounds.

This is the great hall, imagine how magnificent it would have been.

The buttery, pantry and servery, rebuilt in 1387-90 by Wykeham.

Intriguing little peepways, including narrow ones for arrows. I’d like to know what the curve shape is about in the second photo.

Amazing stonework.

The Bishop’s tower, where he had his private apartments.

I loved the shape here and the feel of the stone, each one laid by some secret hand from long ago.

The bakehouse and brewhouse, my favourite part, I think because of the chimney breast, again marvelous stonework with different bits added and repaired over time.

This palace was mainly constructed by William Wykeham who was bishop from 1367. It has earlier history though, with important royal visitors, King Henry 11 visited in 1182 and Richard the Lionheart in 1194. Henry V prepared for the battle of Agincourt here and Queen Mary 1 waited for King Philip of Spain to arrive for  thier marriage in 1554. Imagine the ghosts!

English Heritage look after the site and its free to visit all through the summer.

See what a wonderful family picnic spot the palace is! http://sugarandspiceandallthingslife.com/2013/09/02/a-family-picnic-at-the-palace/