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The ruins of a medieval palace (together with later additions) used by the Bishops and senior clergy of Winchester as they travelled through their diocese. Winchester was the richest diocese in England, and its properties were grandiose and...

When textile magnates Stephen and Virginia Courtauld built their 1930s Art Deco mansion by the Great Hall of medieval Eltham Palace, they created a masterpiece of 20th-century design. Completed in 1936, the exterior of the house was built in...

The Jewel Tower, or 'King's Privy Wardrobe', was built c.1365 to house Edward III's treasures. One of only two buildings of the original Palace of Westminster to survive the fire of 1834, the tower features a 14th-century ribbed vault. It displays...

Among the largest and most impressive historic sites in England, Kenilworth Castle is a vast complex of ruined fortifications and palatial apartments spanning over five centuries. With English Heritage's re-opening of Leicester's Gatehouse and two...

Set in leafy grounds beside Hampstead Heath, this outstanding house was remodelled by Robert Adam between 1764 and 1779. He transformed the original brick building into a majestic villa for the great judge, Lord Mansfield. The richly decorated library is...

Standing almost in the shadow of Lincoln cathedral, 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...

Set beside the church of a picturesque ironstone village, Lyddington Bede House originated as the late medieval wing of a palace belonging to the Bishops of Lincoln. By1600 it had passed to Sir Thomas Cecil, son of Queen Elizabeth's chief minister,...

The childhood and favourite home of Richard III, Middleham Castle was a fortress of the mighty Neville family, Earls of Westmoreland and of Warwick. Around the massive 12th-century central keep, they progressively constructed three ranges of luxurious...

The great earthwork of Old Sarum stands near Salisbury on the edge of Wiltshire's chalk plains. Its mighty ramparts were raised in about 500 BC by Iron Age peoples, and later occupied by the Romans, the Saxons and, most importantly, the Normans. William...

Portchester Castle's commanding location has made it a major factor in the Solent's defences for hundreds of years. The most impressive and bestpreserved of the Roman 'Saxon Shore' forts, Portchester was originally built in the late 3rd century. It is...

Built by Bishop Roger of Salisbury in the 12th century as a strongly defended palace, Sherborne Old Castle became a powerful Royalist base during the Civil War. Described as 'malicious and mischievous' by Cromwell, it fell in 1645 after a fierce...

Set in the heart of Royal London at Hyde Park Corner,Wellington Arch is a landmark for Londoners and visitors alike. George IV originally commissioned this massive monument as a grand outer entrance to Buckingham Palace. It was completed in 1830...

Coombe Conduit is made up of two small Tudor buildings connected by an underground passage. Water was once supplied to Hampton Court Palace via this tunnel.

Part of the great hall of Winchester Palace, built in the early 13th century as the London house of the Bishops of Winchester, including the striking rose window which adorns the west gable. Most of the palace was destroyed by fire in 1814.

Begun as a 12th-century Norman keep and bailey castle, the palace was the chief residence of the Bishops of Winchester. Situated next to Winchester Cathedral, its extensive ruins reflect their importance and wealth. The last great occasion at Wolvesey...

In the 1st century AD, this Roman palace was probably the largest domestic building in Britain. Today, the remains of its north wing, with many fine mosaic floors, can be seen. Behind the scenes tours are available in the Collections Discovery Centre.

Listed in the Domesday Book, Leeds Castle has been a Norman stronghold, a royal residence for six of England's medieval queens and a palace of Henry VIII. The castle's attractions include a dog collar museum, aviary, maze and grotto, vineyard, adventure...

This Regency palace was the magnificent seaside residence of King George IV. The exterior, which was inspired by Indian architecture, contrasts with interiors decorated in Chinese taste.