Bridewell Palace

Bridewell Palace was built for Henry VIII between 1515-1523 on the site of the medieval St Bride's Inn, at a cost of £39,000. It stood on the banks of the Fleet River, and was named for a well nearby dedicated to St Bride. The papal delegation had preliminary meetings here in 1528 to discuss the King's divorce from Catherine of Aragon. A pet project of Thomas Cardinal Wolsey, it was abandoned by the king after Wolsey's fall in 1530. It was leased to the French ambassador 1531-1539.

Related Topics:
Henry VIII - 1515 - 1523 - Fleet River - St Bride - 1528 - Catherine of Aragon - Thomas Cardinal Wolsey - 1531 - 1539

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In 1553 Edward VI gave over the palace to the City of London for the housing of homeless children and for the punishment of disorderly women. The City took full possession in 1556 and turned the palace into a prison, hospital and workrooms. Similar institutions throughout England borrowed the name bridewell. Eventually, the site of Bridewell Palace became a school known as Bridewell Royal Hospital.

Related Topics:
1553 - Edward VI - City of London - 1556

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Most of the palace was destroyed in the Great Fire of London, and rebuilt in 1666-1667. In 1700 it became the first prison to appoint medical staff (a doctor). The prison was closed in 1855, and the buildings destroyed 1863-1864. The school moved to a new site in Surrey, and changed its name to King Edward's School Witley. It celebrated its 450th year in 2003.

Related Topics:
Great Fire of London - 1666 - 1667 - 1700 - 1855 - 1863 - 1864 - Surrey - King Edward's School Witley

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The main site of the palace is now occupied by the Unilever Building, (built 1931).

Related Topics:
Unilever - 1931

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