Bishops Palace and Meadow site
Bishops Palace and Meadow Site
On the south side of the High Street, accessed by a gateway beside the 1899 Methodist Chapel lies a Scheduled Ancient Monument site. This site was the location original palace of the Bishops of Lincoln and covers an area of over 3 Ha. A grassy foot path takes visitors through the site past interpretation panels to the Bishops meadow then on to the village burial ground which provides a route back to the High Street and All Saints Church.
The site dates back over 1000 years and was the location of the Manor of Nettleham owned by Queen Edith, wife of King Edward “the Confessor”. It was also the site where Edward 1 created the first Prince of Wales in 1301.This Scheduled Ancient Monument site had lain derelict for many years. In 2007 the Nettleham Parish Plan identified the site, following public consultation, as being one which should be converted into a heritage amenity for all to enjoy.
The Parish Council approved the project in 2010. Funding totaling £45,000 has been obtained for the project from Heritage Lottery Fund, Cory Trust and WREN. This has been a true community project with a steering committee comprised of representatives from the Parish Council, Nettleham Heritage Association, Nettleham Woodland Trust, Nettleham Junior School, and the Nettleham News.The site now comprises a heritage area (the Scheduled Ancient Monument) with interpretations panels and discovery trail, and easy access from the Nettleham High Street.
In addition, there is a meadow area (outside but adjacent to the scheduled area) with wild flower meadow, woodland of 300 native species trees planted by the community, a heritage orchard, and dry stone wall reconstruction rebuilt by volunteers. The site is close to the Nettleham Junior School which has undertaken various history related projects on the meadow area, including demonstrating the basic principles of archaeology with the Community Archaeologist from Bishop Grosseteste University.
A leaflet giving a potted history of the site has been produced to guide visitors around the site.
The Bishops Palace Heritage Site was officially opened on 11th March 2014 by HRH the Duke of Kent.