River Itchen.

After we had been with our friend to Winchester Vineyard Church this morning we had some lunch before a walk by the River Itchen.
Glorious afternoon light and sense of autumnal colours.
During the course of our walk we came across the ancient site of Wolvesey Palace. It was free to enter the grounds and fascinating.
Built by Bishop Henry of Blois, brother of King Stephen, in the 1100’s.
A lot of the original walls and gateways are still intact. Amazing to see, and that they have survived all these centuries till now.
There are helpful information points with diagrams around the grounds pointing out where various rooms and courtyards were situated.
The residence of the present Bishop stands alongside in it’s own beautiful gardens, but closed to the public.
A coffee in the Cathedral Refectory Courtyard just rounded off a beautiful afternoon.