Lambeth Palace is the historic London residence of the Archbishop of Canterbury, standing on the south bank of the Thames for over 800 years. This Grade I listed complex, with origins dating back to the 12th century, has long served as a centre of worship, diplomacy, and ecclesiastical leadership. In 2025, the palace completed its most significant refurbishment in over 70 years—a £40 million project focused on sustainability, accessibility, and heritage conservation. The restoration included the repair of the 17th-century Great Hall’s timber roof, installation of a new energy centre powered by air-source heat pumps, and the replacement of 160 windows with double glazing. Accessibility was also transformed with new ramps, lifts, and DDA-compliant facilities. Despite these modern upgrades, the palace retains its historic character, with careful attention paid to preserving original features. Lambeth Palace remains a working residence and a powerful symbol of the Church of England’s evolving role in contemporary society.
London United KingdomLambeth Palace is the official London residence of the Archbishop of Canterbury, located on the south bank of the River Thames at Lambeth Palace Road, London SE1 7JU, just 400 yards southeast of the Palace of Westminster and directly opposite the Houses of Parliament. The palace is easily accessible by public transport, with Westminster, Waterloo, Vauxhall, and Lambeth North Underground stations all nearby, as well as several bus routes stopping directly outside. The estate features a striking red-brick gatehouse known as Morton’s Tower and is surrounded by historic gardens, including one of the oldest private gardens in London, which occasionally opens to the public during summer open days. Adjacent to the palace is the Garden Museum, housed in the former church of St Mary-at-Lambeth, offering a café and exhibitions on garden history. The area is also close to St Thomas’ Hospital, Westminster Bridge, and the vibrant South Bank cultural district, making Lambeth Palace a significant landmark at the heart of London’s historic riverside.