Lincoln Medieval Bishop’s Palace, Lincoln, Lincolnshire, England. Another historic site I used to manage.

Standing almost in the shadow of Lincoln cathedral, built on a steep slope with sweeping views over the ancient city and the countryside beyond, the medieval bishops’ palace was once among the most important buildings in the country. The administrative centre of the largest diocese in medieval England, stretching from the Humber to the Thames, its architecture reflected enormous power and wealth (coincidentally the area of the UK I managed for English Heritage also stretched from the Humber to the Thames).

The palace is now partially ruined but has an impressive undercrofted East Hall; and the chapel range and entrance tower were built by Bishop William Alnwick, who modernised the palace in the 1430s.

It also has a beautiful contemporary Heritage Garden, a haven of peace and tranquillity and a vineyard that occasionally produces enough grapes to make Bishops’ Palace Wine.

It is open to the public and managed by English Heritage.