2, 3 AND 4, THE CLOSE

Nos. 2, 3, and 4 The Close are two houses, one of which has been converted into two separate residences, built around 1720. They are constructed of brick and feature a double-span tile roof with brick stacks. The buildings have a double-depth plan and are designed in the Georgian style, standing three storeys tall with a basement. The facade consists of an eight-window range that forms two symmetrical compositions, accented by brick platt bands and a timber cornice at the top.

There are two entrances, each accessed by opposing steps with plain iron handrails. The entrance to No. 3 features a doorcase with an architrave, frieze, and consoled cornice, along with a six-fielded-panel door. The entrance to No. 4 has a doorcase with an eared architrave, frieze, and pediment, leading to a half-glazed door. The basement openings vary, while the windows are adorned with rubbed brick flat arches and 12-pane sashes with moulded frames. No. 3 includes two 4-pane sashes and two 6-pane sashes on the second floor, while No. 4 boasts a large 19th-century canted oriel with a hipped roof and plate glass sashes on the first floor to the right, as well as horizontally sliding sashes on the second floor.

On the left return, there is an 18th-century rainwater head with a downspout. A single-storey wing has a front wall facing the street, featuring a segmental-headed entrance to No. 2, which is accessed by steps with a plain iron handrail. This entrance includes a doorcase with pilasters and a bracketed cornice, along with a six-panel door. The rear elevation displays varied fenestration, including one ground floor cross-casement, and an entrance with a two-panel door in a pegged frame and a 19th-century trellis porch. These houses were built on the site of medieval buildings that were part of the south court of the Vicars' Close, which were destroyed during the Civil War.