Historic palace wins public vote

The Archbishop's Palace will now face a public vote in the series final

A dilapidated palace dating back to the 13th Century has won a place in a national television final which could see it restored to its former glory.

The Archbishop's Palace in Charing, Kent, has won the South East heat of BBC Two's Restoration campaign.

The palace, which regularly played host to royal guests, was chosen over Strawberry Hill in Twickenham and Severndroog Castle in Greenwich.

It will now face a public vote in the final to win millions of pounds in aid.

Royal guests

Situated near the village church, the palace - which won 37% of the votes - was once a day's travel from Canterbury and a convenient staging post for important pilgrims.

Royal guests included Catherine of Aragon and Henry VIII, who claimed it for use during the dissolution of the monasteries in 1545.

Because it was not gentrified after the Reformation, many of the building's medieval features have been preserved, although they have fallen into disrepair.

If its Restoration bid is successful, the palace precinct will be opened to the public, with the Great Hall being converted into a banqueting hall and restaurant.

Parts of the building may also be used to host educational programmes and a parish hall could also be established.

The winner last year was Manchester's Victoria Baths, which received £3m from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

The live final will be screened on Sunday 8 August at 2100 BST on BBC Two.