In the Middle Ages, the site of the future palace formed part of the Manor of Ebury (also called Eia). The marshy ground was watered by the river Tyburn, which still flows below the courtyard and south wing of the palace. Where the river was fordable (at Cow Ford), the village of Eye Cross grew. Ownership of the site changed hands many times; owners included Edward the Confessor and his queen consort Edith of Wessex in late Saxon times, and, after the Norman Conquest, William the Conqueror. William gave the site to Geoffrey de Mandeville, who bequeathed it to the monks of Westminster Abbey. COUNT 8
QSN1 Which river runs underneath the palace? ANS1 river Tyburn QSN2 The site of the palace was once owned by which queen consort in the late Saxon times? ANS2 Edith of Wessex QSN3 Who did William the Conqueror give the site of the palace to? ANS3 Geoffrey de Mandeville QSN4 The site was passed to monks from which abbey? ANS4 Westminster Abbey QSN5 The site of the palace formed part of which Manor in the Middles ages? ANS5 Manor of Ebury QSN6 What was the name of the village that grew at Cow Ford? ANS6 Eye Cross QSN7 Who gave the site to the monks of Westminster? ANS7 Geoffrey de Mandeville QSN8 What was the name of the manor that previously existed on the site? ANS8 Manor of Ebury