Heritage Open Day
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Heritage Open Day 2025
Saturday 13 September 2025 | 10am-4pm
| We're delighted to open up the Old Bishop's Palace - which is owned and managed by the Cathedral and houses our offices - to the public as part of this year's Heritage Open Days scheme. Come and explore the Old Palace, the ancient home of the bishops of Worcester from the 13th to 19th century. Explore the beautiful grounds overlooking the Severn, the medieval Abbot's Kitchen, and the Great Hall. Open 10am-4pm, 13 September 2025. The Old Palace has been, on and off, the residence of the bishops of Worcester from the 13th century, though there is evidence of early buildings dating back to the time of Bishop Wulfstan, founder of Worcester Cathedral (d. 1095). Come and explore the medieval hall known as the Abbot's Kitchen, with it's beautiful ceiling, the small chapel, and the vast Great Hall. You will be able to enjoy spectacular views of the River Severn through the magnificent west window, and, weather permitting, explore the gardens along the river bank. In the 19th century the bishop's residence moved completely to Hartlebury, and for a time the Palace became the home for the Deans of Worcester, until the outbreak of World War II. The Palace has gone through many changes and alterations but retains interesting architectural features, from medieval roof carvings through to the Baroque East Front. Queen Elizabeth stayed here during her visit to Worcester in 1575, as did George III and Queen Charlotte during their visit to the 1788 Three Choir's Festival. |
