Lambeth Palace
The estate known as Lambeth was acquired by the archbishopric around 1200. This site sits on the south bank of the River Thames, directly opposite the Palace of Westminster. Archbishop Anselm had maintained a house there a century before the official purchase. The location offered convenient proximity to the royal palace and government seat across the water. Land here developed slowly because it was low and sodden ground called Lambeth Marsh. The name itself comes from its first record in 1062 as Lambehitha, meaning landing place for lambs. Archbishops arrived and departed by boat, just as John Wycliffe did when he faced trial for heresy in 1378.
Medieval structures once surrounded three courtyards that have since disappeared along with the moat. A cloister now holds the library, replacing an original timber structure in 1830. The oldest remaining part is a thirteenth-century chapel built in Early English Gothic style. It stands above a vaulted undercroft featuring a central line of columns. Major work occurred after the Blitz of 1941 damaged the buildings. Edward Blore rebuilt much of Buckingham Palace later, yet he also constructed large neo-Gothic extensions between 1829 and 1834 at this site. These additions allowed older buildings to become the archdiocese's library and secretariat.
The palace was attacked during the Peasants' Revolt of 1381. Cardinal Pole lay in state within these walls for forty days after dying there in 1558. In May 1640, Parliamentarians ransacked the building hoping to capture Archbishop William Laud. Cromwellians demolished the great hall in the late 1640s and sold its materials. Samuel Pepys described the restored hall as new old-fashioned when it reopened in 1663. Five-storey brick gatehouse completed by Cardinal John Morton in 1495 housed eight lodgings for the household. A room known as the Guard Chamber still retains its original elaborate roof from the fourteenth century.
Archbishop William Juxon completely rebuilt the great hall in 1663 with a late Gothic hammerbeam roof. This architectural choice reflected High-Church Anglican continuity with the Old Faith while signaling that the Interregnum had ended. The King Charles II brother was an avowed Catholic at this time. Debates continue among architectural historians about whether this represents Gothic survival or early Gothic Revival. Edward Blore added extensive new wings in Gothic revival style between 1829 and 1833. Portraits of archbishops by Hans Holbein, Anthony van Dyck, William Hogarth, and Sir Joshua Reynolds hang within these halls.
Archbishop Richard Bancroft founded the library as a public institution in 1610. It describes itself as the largest religious collection outside of the Vatican. Manuscripts date back to the ninth century including the Mac Durnan Gospels and Lambeth Bible. Over 120,000 printed books fill the shelves alongside archival collections from various Church of England institutions. A new purpose-built facility opened in 2021 at the far end of the palace gardens. Wright & Wright designed this structure which houses records formerly held at Bermondsey. Sion College Library closed in 1996, transferring its important holdings to this location.
Three ancient fig trees stood nailed against walls in 1786 according to Andrew Coltee Ducarel's history. Two were noted in 1826 as uncommonly fine and traditionally reported planted by Cardinal Pole. They bore delicious white Marseilles fruit while growing on the south side of the building. By 1882 their place was taken by massive offshoots that grew into venerable trees basking on the sunny side of the Great Hall. Slips taken from original plants now flourish as thriving trees in the garden. The notable orchard of the medieval period mostly replaced Archbishop's Park which adjoins housing and offices today. Gardens received grade II listing status in October 1987.
The tower of St Mary-at-Lambeth dates from 1377 though repaired in 1834. Philip Hardwick rebuilt the body of the church in 1851 before it became deconsecrated in 1972. Tombs of gardeners John Tradescant the elder and his son remain preserved alongside Admiral William Bligh. The Museum of Garden History opened in 1977 taking advantage of these Tradescant associations. A previously unknown crypt containing thirty coffins emerged during renovation works in 2016. Five archbishops including Richard Bancroft, Thomas Tenison, Matthew Hutton, Frederick Cornwallis, and John Moore rest within these coffins alongside Dean of the Arches John Bettesworth.
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Common questions
When was Lambeth Palace acquired by the archbishopric?
The estate known as Lambeth was acquired by the archbishopric around 1200. Archbishop Anselm had maintained a house there a century before the official purchase.
What is the origin of the name Lambeth Palace?
The name comes from its first record in 1062 as Lambehitha, meaning landing place for lambs. The site sits on the south bank of the River Thames directly opposite the Palace of Westminster.
Who designed the neo-Gothic extensions at Lambeth Palace between 1829 and 1834?
Edward Blore constructed large neo-Gothic extensions between 1829 and 1834 at this site. These additions allowed older buildings to become the archdiocese's library and secretariat.
How many coffins were found in the crypt during renovation works in 2016?
A previously unknown crypt containing thirty coffins emerged during renovation works in 2016. Five archbishops including Richard Bancroft, Thomas Tenison, Matthew Hutton, Frederick Cornwallis, and John Moore rest within these coffins alongside Dean of the Arches John Bettesworth.
When did the Museum of Garden History open at Lambeth Palace?
The Museum of Garden History opened in 1977 taking advantage of these Tradescant associations. Tombs of gardeners John Tradescant the elder and his son remain preserved alongside Admiral William Bligh.