Winchester Palace in Southwark was the London residence of the powerful Bishops of Winchester, serving as one of the largest and most significant buildings in medieval London for over 500 years until its destruction in the 19th century.
Founded by Bishop Henry de Blois, the palace functioned as the bishop’s base for royal and administrative duties in London, reflecting his status as a major landowner and royal treasurer, akin to the Chancellor of the Exchequer. The palace was strategically placed on Clink Street, beside the Thames, and included direct river access for goods. It welcomed royal visitors including King James I of Scotland, who held his wedding feast here in 1424.
The key surviving feature of the palace is the western wall of the Great Hall, notable for its impressive rose window with intricate tracery, measuring about 13 feet in diameter and rising to a height of 50 feet. The Great Hall once opened onto buttery, pantry, kitchen, and a vaulted cellar with passage to the wharf. The palace’s grounds hosted two courtyards and extensive amenities, such as luxurious private chambers, pleasure gardens, a tennis court, bowling alley, prison, brew-house, and butchery.
 
Interesting facts...
Winchester Palace was also renowned for “The Clink” prison, important medieval feasts, and its notorious association with the “Winchester Geese”—sex workers actually licensed by the bishop and buried in nearby Crossbones graveyard.