A Place in Town in Medieval and Early Modern Westminster: The Origins and History of the Palaces in the Strand

Research reveals that the medieval bishops' palaces in Westminster's Strand were not primarily episcopal properties but rather products of royal government initiatives, driven by royal ministers. These structures, distinguished by their grouping and antiquity, served governmental functions linked to the establishment of royal and national administration in Westminster during the medieval and early modern periods. The study demonstrates that the necessities of royal governance continued to shape their history through the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, including their eventual transfer to lay ownership. This challenges traditional perceptions of their origin and purpose.

Croot, P. (2014). A Place in Town in Medieval and Early Modern Westminster: The Origins and History of the Palaces in the Strand. The London Journal, 39(2), 85–101. https://doi.org/10.1179/0305803414z.00000000042