Lincoln Medieval Bishops' Palace

About the museum

The bishops of Lincoln were among the most powerful figures in the English Church, and from the 12th century they lived in a palace on the hillside south of their cathedral. Bishop Remigius moved his seat to Lincoln in 1072, but the land for the palace was only granted to Bishop Alexander between 1135 and 1138. Building began in earnest in 1155 to 1158 under Bishop Robert de Chesney, and his work was apparently complete by 1163.

After an earthquake struck Lincoln in 1185, Hugh of Avalon, later St Hugh of Lincoln, began rebuilding both the cathedral and the palace. The east hall, the bishop's private accommodation and working space, was finished by 1200. The public west hall, one of the largest covered spaces in 13th century England, was completed by Bishop Hugh of Wells, and Bishop Robert Grosseteste added an elaborate two-storey porch to it. The palace was a place where the bishop entertained distinguished guests, and Henry VIII visited it in 1541.

The palace was left in ruins by the English Civil Wars, although enough survives to show its former grandeur and it is regarded as one of the finest domestic buildings of its time. English Heritage cares for the site, and in 2023 it completed a conservation project costing 2.5 million pounds to repair the stonework and open up more of the ruins to visitors. A film, an exhibition and an audio tour explain how the palace was used over five centuries, and a terraced heritage garden with a vineyard offers views over Lincoln.

Highlights

• Ruins of the east hall and the grand west hall of a medieval bishops' palace
• Film, exhibition and audio tour on five centuries of palace life
• Terraced heritage garden and vineyard with views over Lincoln
• Scented plants such as lavender that visitors may touch
• Located next to Lincoln Cathedral

Permanent exhibition

• Lincoln Medieval Bishops' Palace exhibition – A film, exhibition and audio tour explain how the palace was used and lived in for five centuries, with a subtitled audio-visual tour of the site.

Operated by

English Heritage

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Entry is free, but visitors are asked for a donation to help care for this and other historic sites. Tickets can be booked online for open dates.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: not available
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The ruins cannot be reached by wheelchair because of steps, slopes and uneven surfaces, although the garden has a level path and seating. The exhibition has level access and includes a subtitled audio-visual tour of the palace and garden. There are many worn stone steps with handrails and no artificial lighting on site. Accessible toilets and an adult changing area are available, wheelchairs can be borrowed, and large print and audio tours are offered. One disabled parking space is outside the gift shop. The heritage garden has scented plants that can be touched.

Kids & families

• Stroller-friendly: not available

Pushchairs are allowed but not recommended because of the many stone steps across the site.

Getting there & parking

The palace is on the south side of Lincoln Cathedral, opposite the cathedral's south porch; the what3words location is item.noble.mess. Cycle routes are shown on the Sustrans website.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

There is a gift shop. Visitors may bring a picnic to the heritage garden, where benches and a grass area are available.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit