Nine of Church of England’s historic bishops’ palaces could be sold after reviews
By Martin Beckford, Telegraph
The future of the Church of England’s historic bishops’ palaces is in doubt with one in five being considered for sale over the next year
The grand residences, which have been in the church’s hands for centuries, could be sold off as they are costly to maintain and may struggle to meet tough environmental targets.
Some clergy also believe the properties’ moats and banqueting halls send out the wrong image, and that the millions spent on their upkeep should be given instead to poor inner-city parishes.
The residences could be turned into hotels, apartments or museums but buyers may be in short supply be because of their listed status and the presence of tombs or chapels that could not be removed.
Each of the Church’s 44 diocesan bishops lives rent-free in “see houses”, which are also often used as offices and homes for staff.
The Church Commissioners spent £7.3million in 2008 on maintaining the official residences, many of which are listed as heritage properties or historic palaces. The prelates also claimed £351,894 on heating and lighting the sprawling and draughty old buildings, and £177,961 on gardeners’ pay and minor repairs.
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