Old Palace, Canterbury
Tucked within the precincts of Canterbury Cathedral, the Old Palace鈥攁lso known as the Archbishop鈥檚 Palace鈥攈as long served as the official residence of the Archbishop of Canterbury during his stays in the city. Its origins trace back to the 11th century, when Archbishop Lanfranc likely established it as part of a broader Norman rebuilding campaign.
Reconstructed between 1193 and 1228, the palace once boasted a vast Great Hall, built by Archbishops Hubert Walter and Stephen Langton, that was second in size only to Westminster Hall. However, during the political upheavals of the English Civil War, Parliament seized the estate in 1647, and much of the palace was demolished in the 1650s.
Following its partial destruction, the remaining parts of the palace stood largely unused until the late 19th century. In 1896, architect W.D. Car枚e restored the surviving elements and added new residential quarters. His design included a curved three-storey wing that cleverly integrated remnants of the original structure, such as the undercroft of the monastic refectory and a 14th-century two-light window in the south wing. A blocked 16th-century gateway also remains as a reminder of the site鈥檚 layered past.
Today, the Old Palace continues to serve its ecclesiastical function, not only housing the Archbishop when in Canterbury but also accommodating the Bishop of Dover, who carries out many diocesan responsibilities. Though much altered over the centuries, the palace remains a significant symbol of the city鈥檚 religious and political history, linking medieval grandeur with ongoing Anglican tradition.
Reconstructed between 1193 and 1228, the palace once boasted a vast Great Hall, built by Archbishops Hubert Walter and Stephen Langton, that was second in size only to Westminster Hall. However, during the political upheavals of the English Civil War, Parliament seized the estate in 1647, and much of the palace was demolished in the 1650s.
Following its partial destruction, the remaining parts of the palace stood largely unused until the late 19th century. In 1896, architect W.D. Car枚e restored the surviving elements and added new residential quarters. His design included a curved three-storey wing that cleverly integrated remnants of the original structure, such as the undercroft of the monastic refectory and a 14th-century two-light window in the south wing. A blocked 16th-century gateway also remains as a reminder of the site鈥檚 layered past.
Today, the Old Palace continues to serve its ecclesiastical function, not only housing the Archbishop when in Canterbury but also accommodating the Bishop of Dover, who carries out many diocesan responsibilities. Though much altered over the centuries, the palace remains a significant symbol of the city鈥檚 religious and political history, linking medieval grandeur with ongoing Anglican tradition.
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Old Palace on Map
Sight Name: Old Palace
Sight Location: Canterbury, England (See walking tours in Canterbury)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Canterbury, England (See walking tours in Canterbury)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Canterbury, England
Create Your Own Walk in Canterbury
Creating your own self-guided walk in Canterbury is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Canterbury Cathedral and Grounds
Canterbury Cathedral, one of the oldest churches that played a crucial role in English Christianity, stands within its own walled area, surrounded by Medieval buildings and ruins.
At the heart of this ensemble rises the cathedral itself, a magnificent example of medieval architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As you enter, you'll pass through the imposing Christ Church Gate, a... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.8 Km or 0.5 Miles
At the heart of this ensemble rises the cathedral itself, a magnificent example of medieval architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As you enter, you'll pass through the imposing Christ Church Gate, a... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.8 Km or 0.5 Miles
Canterbury Introduction Walking Tour
Canterbury is a UNESCO World Heritage City and one of the most visited cities in England. Canterbury has a long history and has been occupied since Paleolithic times. It was the capital of the Celtic Cantiaci, Romans settled the area for centuries, and the site was the capital of the Kingdom of Kent.
Saint Augustine arrived in Canterbury in 597 to convert the Anglo-Saxons to Christianity. The... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
Saint Augustine arrived in Canterbury in 597 to convert the Anglo-Saxons to Christianity. The... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles