A 13th century palace which hosted Kings and Queens is being wrecked – by mischievous SQUIRRELS.

Church leaders have now applied to axe two trees to stop the pesky critters using them to reach the historic Old Palace and Bishop’s House.

The Grade II listed buildings in the grounds of Worcester Cathedral have become badly damaged by the animal invasion.

The Old Palace, which dates back to 1270, was visited by Elizabeth I, Charles I and King George III.

The application states: “Authorisation is requested to carry out the proposed work, in order to remove access for squirrels who are causing considerable internal and external damage to the building and walkway by dampness/microclimate.”

The church wants to a cut the overhanging branches of a nearby beech tree by 6ft (2m).

Residents living near the historic palace criticised church leaders for allowing the squirrels to "run rampant."

Diane Booth, 60, who has lived near the cathedral for 20 years, said: "My understanding is that the squirrels have been using the Old Palace as a toilet and nesting ground.

"You can see them scurrying in and out and leaping onto the building from the trees. It's a real shame the Diocese have allowed them to run rampant for so long."