Great Hall, Bishop's Palace, Wells

Bishop Burnell built this great hall two storeys high open to its timbered roof c.1280 for entertaining. King Edward III spent Christmas at Wells in 1331 and no doubt was entertained in the hall with a great feast or two by the bishop. In 1337 the king's judges and others totalling 268 people were given a dinner in the hall. They consumed 672 loaves, 340 pipes of ale and eleven varieties of fish including salmon and eels. The hall had a 1st floor solar at one end for receiving distinguished guests and its own kitchen. Entrance was originally through a great porch.

During the 16th century the palace fell into decline and the lead from the hall roof was sold. The building was divided up, possibly for storerooms, and the area to teh south was laid out as formal gardens with a canal. In the early 19th century Bishop Law demolished all but two walls and the octagonal stair turrets to create a romantic ruin.