My friend Ellen’s husband runs a blog about archeology, and today it had an item about the Church of England’s current upheaval… no, not that upheaval, the one about the fancy bishop’s palaces going on the market because they’re perceived as an extravagance in an era when ordinary parish priests have trouble making ends meet.

Archaeology in Europe: 02/01/2008 – 03/01/2008

Resplendent with moats, gatehouses and banqueting halls, bishops’ palaces are among some of the grandest buildings in the country.Now, however, the historic homes, which have belonged to the Church of England for centuries, could be sold off in a bid to raise money for cash-strapped parishes.

A confidential internal review is examining whether the diocesan bishops’ houses, nine of which are palaces, are appropriate for the Church to keep. The bishops’ residences are worth about £120 million, but cost up to £9 million each year to maintain.

They are at the centre of a row between Church commissioners over whether it is justifiable to retain such opulent residences, which give the perception of bishops living in luxury while parish clergy struggle to make ends meet.

While the commissioners – who are responsible for overseeing the Church’s £4 billion of assets – are to look at all of the historic palaces over the next few years, they met last week to debate the future of Rose Castle, which has been home to the bishops of Carlisle since the 13th century and is estimated to be worth around £2 million.

The Bishop of Carlisle is NOT pleased at this development.