A few walls, cleverly blended with surrounding modern architecture, are all that remain of the palace, one of the largest and most important buildings in medieval London. The remains were part of the Great Hall, which stood on the south bank of the Thames. Founded in the 12th century by the bishop brother of King Stephen, Winchester Palace was built to house bishops in comfort when staying in London on business. A grand palace, it was also often used to entertain royal guests.
The palace remained in use until the 17th century, but was mostly destroyed by fire in 1814. The ruins, part of the great hall and its 14th century rose window, were finally revealed in the 1970s during redevelopment of the area. They were first restored in 1972 and are now in the care of English Heritage.