One of London's English Heritage highlights is the former Winchester Palace, the remains of which stand on the south bank of the river Thames. Before the capital took shape, the Bishops of Winchester were among the most powerful landowners in the region and the 13th-century building served as a convenient residence between their duties at Westminster and the Tower of London. Ravaged by fire in 1814, only part of the Great Hall remains, but visitors are able to walk around this expansive site and imagine the extent of this architectural feat which once sat proudly on the river.
For full details visit:http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/winchester-palace