Old Palace, Canterbury facts for kids
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The Old Palace, also known as the Archbishop's Palace, is a very old building. It stands within the grounds of Canterbury Cathedral. This palace is the main home for the Archbishop of Canterbury when he visits Canterbury.
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History of the Old Palace
The Old Palace was likely built in the 1000s by Lanfranc. He was an important Archbishop at that time. It served as the Archbishop's home when he came to Canterbury. The palace was later rebuilt between 1193 and 1228.
The Great Hall
A huge room called the Great Hall was built around 1200-1220. Archbishops Hubert Walter and Stephen Langton oversaw its construction. This hall was one of the biggest medieval halls in Britain. It was only smaller than Westminster Hall. Sadly, the Great Hall was torn down in the 1650s. In 1982, archaeologists dug up the site of the Great Hall. They found many interesting things.
The English Civil War
In 1647, during the English Civil War, the palace was taken over. It was controlled by the Parliament. Many parts of the palace were torn down in the 1650s. The building then stayed empty for a long time. It was not used again until the 1800s.
Bringing the Palace Back to Life
In 1896, the Old Palace was fixed up. An architect named W. D. Caröe led this restoration. After many years, Archbishop Frederick Temple became the first archbishop to live there again since 1647.
The palace is a curved building with two or three floors. It includes parts of an old undercroft. This was a basement area of the monks' dining hall. The south side of the building still has some old parts. These include old supports and a 14th-century window. An old gateway from the 1500s is also still there, but it is now blocked off.
The Old Palace has been changed and updated many times. It was closed for two years for more work. It reopened in 2006 after this big refurbishment.
Who Lives There Now?
Today, the Old Palace is still the official home for the Archbishop. He stays there when he is in Canterbury. Part of the building is also home to the Bishop of Dover. This bishop helps the Archbishop with his duties in the Diocese of Canterbury.
Special Status
The Old Palace is a very important building. On May 3, 1967, it became a Grade I listed building. This means it is a building of exceptional historical interest. It is protected to make sure it lasts for many more years.
