During the mediveal period Winchester Palace was the London home of the Bishop of Winchester.

This Thamesside location was an appropriate place for his second home as Southwark was the largest town in his diocese, and because he was a major land owner in the area.

Winchester Palace was the largest but not the only such home. The Bishop of Rochester and the Prior of Lewes also lived nearby.

The centre piece of the Palace was the Great Hall, and its Rose Window still stands at Clink Street.

The Bishop was responsible for law and order in the area, administrating and maintaining his own prison which was originally in the palace but later occupied various premises in the area.

As freeholders the Bishop and the Church Commissioners played an important role in the development of the area.