5, The Close

No. 5 The Close is a house that was originally part of the lower court of Vicars' Close. It dates from the 14th century, with a south facade added in the early 18th century. The building features a timber-frame structure with a brick front and a tiled roof with a brick chimney. It has a right angle plan and consists of two storeys with a basement, arranged in a two-window range. The basement includes some stonework, and the entrance is accessed via opposing stone steps with a plain wooden handrail, leading to a six-panel door with two glazed panels. The windows are segmental-headed with cross-casements, and there is a basement opening. The rear of the house has brick underbuilding supporting a close-studded first floor. Notable architectural features include a moulded bressumer and plain eaves, as well as an entrance with a wide-boarded door. The fenestration is varied, with two small windows and one three-light casement on the ground floor, while the first floor has a small casement in what was originally a larger opening, with a leaded light at the right end. Inside, the house is recorded as having three bays of framing, with large square panels on the left wall. The building originally faced north into the lower court of Vicars' Close, featuring a gabled facade, but was re-oriented to face south in the early 18th century.