Lambeth Palace

has been the London residence of the Archbishop of Canterbury since the 13th century. The Palace is used by the Archbishop and his family when in London, but more importantly, it is the central office for his national and international ministry. The palace houses the Archbishops support staff which include senior advisers and admin staff as well as staff that take care of the property itself.

In 1828, famous architect of the day Edward Blore was invited to survey the collection of buildings that made up Lambeth Palace at that time. His scathing report of the Palaces condition led to Blore building a new residential wing which was completed in 1833, as well as restoring the Guard room and connecting it to the rest of the building.

The palace was in need of restorative work again int he 1940's after the Chapel and Lollards Tower took a direct hit from an incendiary device in 1941. The 1980's saw more restorative work which continued up until the end of the century. The latest addition to the Palace was the Atrium which was finished in 2000, the glass-roofed room's contemporary style was specially designed to fit in with its 13th and 19th century surroundings.

Lambeth Palace

The Palace Library is still used for academic study, while many of the rooms have retained their original function as spaces for hospitality purposes. The Chapel and the Crypt Chapel are used daily for worship and prayer by the Archbishop and the Sisters at Lambeth. For more information visit the official site of the Archbishop of Canterbury.