Old Palace, Canterbury

Entrance to the Old Palace

The Old Palace is a historic building situated within the precincts of Canterbury Cathedral. It is the main residence of the Archbishop of Canterbury and his family when in Canterbury.

Background

Built within the grounds of the Cathedral in the early 10th century, the Old Palace was the residence of the Archbishop when he visited Canterbury. The building was therefore also referred to as the Archbishop's Palace. In 1647 during the English Civil War it was taken over by Parliament along with its estates.^[1]

Restoration

Archbishop Frederick Temple

The Old Palace stayed empty until the 19th century and in 1896 it was restored by W D Caroe. Archbishop Frederick Temple was the first to live since 1647.

It has undergone many modifications and adjustments over the years, most recently reopening again in 2006 after a two -year process of much needed refurbishment. .^[2][3]

Current use

In addition to being the official residence of the Archbishop when in Canterbury, part of the building is also the home of the Bishop of Dover who is a suffragan bishop in the Diocese of Canterbury.

Layout and status

A curved building with two to three floors, the Old Palace is at the western end of what was once a monastery's refectory.

The building became a Grade I listed building on May 3, 1967.^[2]

See also

• Grade I listed buildings in City of Canterbury

References

1. "Diocese of Canterbury". www.archbishopofcanterbury.org. Retrieved 10 November 2012.
2. Historic England. "The Archbishops Palace or the Old Palace  (Grade I) (1085066)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 1 September 2015.
3. British Listed Buildings

Coordinates: 51°16′49″N 1°04′54″E / 51.2803°N 1.0817°E