The Priory And Attached Section Of Close Wall

The Priory and attached section of the Close wall is a historic hall house that includes a tower and part of the Close wall. It dates from the 13th and 14th centuries, was remodeled between 1664 and 1670, and underwent alterations and refenestration in the late 19th century. The building is constructed of coursed and squared rubble with ashlar dressings, featuring plain tile and pantile roofs. It has an octagonal stone gable stack, a panelled brick ridge stack, and an external brick gable stack on the east side, with quoins.

The exterior consists of two storeys plus attics and is divided into three bays. Most windows are 19th-century casements with wooden mullions and transoms. The west front is double gabled and has a central three-light window, flanked on the left by a cross casement and a hexagonal glazed wooden porch. To the left of the porch is a chamfered doorway from the 14th century, which now features a leaded window. There is another 14th-century doorway in the return angle, and to the right, a five-light window. Above, there is a central three-light window flanked by two four-light windows, all with wooden hoodmoulds. In each gable above, there is a three-light window. The south side has two four-light windows and two three-light windows above them. The east side has irregular 19th-century fenestration.

Inside, the screens passage features a restored traceried buffet from the 14th century with a quatrefoil lintel, flanked by single chamfered doorways. There is a remodelled 17th-century stair.

To the west, there is an attached section of the Close wall, approximately 5 meters high and 30 meters long, with pantile and concrete coping. It has an off-centre blocked opening and three reset corbels. This building served as the residence for major Cathedral officials and is designated as a Scheduled Ancient Monument.