Lambeth Palace

Lambeth Palace is the official residence of the Archbishop of Canterbury. Located just 400 yards southeast of the Palace of Westminster, it has been central to London's religious and political history for over 800 years. Despite being near the city's heart, it sits slightly apart from the bustle.

The land for the palace, initially called Lambeth House or the Manor of Lambeth, was acquired around 1200  by the Archdiocese. The Archbishop of Canterbury, whose primary residence was Canterbury in Kent, needed a base in London due to his growing role in church and state affairs. The site was well-chosen: close to Westminster and the City of London but across the river from the busy government centre.

Lambeth Palace has a rich history, starting with its connection to the Thames. In medieval times, the archbishops and other important figures would travel to and from the palace by boat, using the river for transportation. The name "Lambeth" reflects this relationship with the river, deriving from "hithe," a riverside landing place. The palace even played a role in the turbulent events of the Peasants' Revolt in 1381, when it was attacked by rebels protesting against the ruling class.

One of the oldest surviving parts of the palace is the chapel, built in the Early English Gothic style. Another significant feature is Lollards' Tower, constructed between 1435 and 1440, which still bears evidence of its use as a prison during the 17th century. The gatehouse, an early Tudor construction from the 1490s, was built by Cardinal John Morton. This imposing entrance to the palace is made of deep red brick and resembles the gatehouse at Hampton Court Palace.

The palace is also home to an ancient fig tree, which is said to be a descendant of fig trees planted by Cardinal Pole, who was Archbishop of Canterbury in the 16th century. Legends surrounding the palace's fig trees are still told today, though offshoots replaced many of the original trees in the 19th century. In fact, until the early 19th century, Lambeth Palace boasted a significant orchard, though much of this has since been developed into roads and housing. The palace gardens, however, remained a peaceful green space and were listed as Grade II in 1987, preserving them for future generations.

The palace has seen its share of dramatic moments. During the English Civil War, it was heavily damaged by Cromwellian troops. The great hall, in particular, was completely ransacked, with even the building materials being removed. After the monarchy was restored, the hall was rebuilt by Archbishop William Juxon in 1663. The new design featured a hammer-beam roof, a nod to the continuity of the Anglican High-Church tradition and a symbolic gesture that the period of the English Interregnum was over. This style, popular in Gothic buildings, caused some debate among architectural historians—whether it was a "Gothic survival" or an early example of the Gothic Revival movement.

Today, Lambeth Palace is recognised as an architectural treasure that is protected as a Grade I listed building. While the front-facing gatehouse with its crenellated walls is the most familiar part of the palace to the public, the oldest section is the northwest corner's Water Tower, also known as Lollards' Tower. Constructed from Kentish Ragstone and featuring a brick turret, this part of the palace dates back several centuries before the Tudor gatehouse was even built.

The palace is not just a historical site but also a gallery housing portraits of many archbishops who have lived there. These include works by famous artists such as Hans Holbein, Anthony van Dyck, William Hogarth, and Sir Joshua Reynolds. These portraits serve as a visual reminder of the long and continuous line of church leadership at the palace.

In the 19th century, architect Edward Blore constructed new elements to Lambeth Palace, rebuilding parts of it in the neo-Gothic style. Blore, known for his work on Buckingham Palace, designed the latest additions to front a spacious quadrangle, adding to the residence's grandeur. Today, Lambeth Palace remains the official London home of the Archbishop of Canterbury, the most senior bishop in the Church of England and the worldwide Anglican Communion. The Archbishop also holds a seat in the House of Lords by virtue of this role.

One of the palace's most significant institutions is the Lambeth Palace Library. Founded in 1610 by Archbishop Richard Bancroft, it serves as the official library of the Archbishop of Canterbury and holds an impressive collection of Church of England records. The library has often described itself as "the largest religious collection outside the Vatican." Historically located within the palace complex, the library has a new home. In 2021, a purpose-built facility was opened at the far end of the palace gardens, with its entrance on Lambeth Palace Road. Designed by the architects Wright & Wright, the new library also houses the archives of various Church of England institutions, which were previously stored at the Church of England Record Centre in Bermondsey.

Lambeth Palace continues to be both a historic landmark and a working residence. Its combination of medieval and Tudor architecture, with later Gothic Revival additions, makes it a unique building that reflects the deep history of the Church of England. Its gardens, chapel, and halls have witnessed centuries of religious and political events, serving as both a sanctuary and a symbol of the enduring influence of the Archbishop of Canterbury.