This stoney building that looks more like a fortress because of its towers and moat has been the home of Bishops of the Diocese of Bath and Wells for 800 years. It has been designated by English Heritage as a Grade I listed building. It stands next to Wells Cathedral in the small city of Wells in Somerset. Building of the palace started around 1210 by Bishops Jocelin of Wells and Reginald Fitz Jocelin. The chapel and great hall were added by Bishop Robert Burnell between 1275 and 1292. The walls, gatehouse and moat were added in the 14th century by Bishop Ralph of Shrewsbury.

Although parts of the building are still used as a residence of the Bishop most of the building and the beautiful laid out pleasure gardens are open for public viewing. In the summer an annual raft race is held in aid of charity, when I worked in Wells I took part a few times, lots of fun and I always felt the object wasn't to win so much as get the opposite team as wet as possible and not to capsize your own teams raft. Needless to say I have swam in there a couple of times !

Sorry I'm away for a few days so may not have the opportunity to comment