Winchester House, Southwark
IMAGE: The 'Rose Window', photographed on 30 September 2011
Over the last few years, many of us have been concerned about a new development on the west side the only remaining wall of the Great Hall of the Bishop of Winchester's Palace near London Bridge.
The wall containing the 'Rose Window' dates from the 14th century and is the last piece of remaining masonry from the old London house of the Bishops of Winchester, used by them until the 17th century while attending the House of Lords. The top window gave light into the Great Hall. The wall, at the western end, was probably one of two - there being another one at the eastern end.
About 2009 plans were submitted to build on the site of the old warehouse adjacent to the west side of the west wall. The old warehouse was not a pretty sight but at least it was not high enough to block light from the sun shining through the Rose Window. The new plans were for a much taller structure. Now, in 2011, the new building is complete, used as a cafe and its height is such that it does obstruct the historic window.
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