Wolvesey Castle

Wolvesey Castle, also known as the "Old Bishop's Palace", is a ruined castle in Winchester, Hampshire, England. It is located next to Winchester Cathedral.

The castle was erected by the Bishop of Winchester Henry of Blois, Stephen's brother, between 1130 and 1136 on an eyot between two branches of the River Itchen. It was the scene for the Rout of Winchester in which the Empress Matilda assaulted the castle in 1141, during a period known as The Anarchy. It was the castle's first and only siege, when it was held for Stephen by the retainers of Bishop Henry.

The besieged defenders of Wolvesey burnt with fireballs all the houses of the city which came too near the enceinte and gave cover to the enemy. Most of the old town of Winchester was destroyed. Empress Matilda's forces were held off for three weeks (August - September, 1141) until Stephen's wife, Matilda, arrived with reinforcements from London.

Henry II is said to have dismantled Wolvesey after the death of Bishop Henry in 1171. Apparently this did not include the destruction of the residential quarters as many later occupants of the see of Winchester dwelled there in high state. But the gate and portcullis were likely removed and some breaches made in the curtain.

It was once a very important building, and was the location on 25 July 1554 of the wedding breakfast of Queen Mary and Philip II of Spain. The castle was destroyed by Roundheads during the English Civil War in 1646.

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