3-5 Priory Row

3-5 Priory Row is a timber-framed building dating from 1414-1415, originally associated with Coventry Priory. It was restored and extended around 1855. The building is primarily timber frame with plaster infill panels, with the ground floor and rear areas constructed of brick, all set beneath a tile roof.

The main range runs east to west along Priory Row, with projections to the rear. The building comprises four structural bays. The ground floor, reflecting the 1855 appearance, is brick with three doors for individual properties and paired windows with decorative tracery between. All ground floor windows have diamond-paned glass. The upper floors are jettied and feature close-studded timber framing with braces to three of the four bays. A door under a lean-to roof at the eastern end provided access to the stair leading to the rear range.

The northern gable end of the front range displays large panel framing. The 1855 rear wing is supported on timber posts and includes a long first-floor window that illuminates a corridor and room. Two small gables in the roof of this room are embellished with decorative bargeboards. Tall chimneys with a diamond pattern rise to the rear.

The rear courtyard features a timber-framed central projection with large square panels leading to a gable with a small window at its apex. Later brick extensions are located to the sides and in front of this projection.

Internally, the building has been combined into one premises, retaining distinct spaces with three ground floor access doors. Extensive exposed timber framing is visible throughout, with no decorative chamfering or stops to the timbers. The corner posts of each bay are jowled at the top and bottom. The timbers appear to be primarily in-situ, indicating little rebuilding or re-use. The queen strut roof is typical of other early 15th century buildings in Coventry. Evidence of deep braces is present in what would have been the original rear external wall.

The fireplaces throughout the building are consistent with their 19th century date, except for one 20th century brick surround and one ground floor range. Cellars lie beneath the front range, appearing as a remodelled earlier cellar range, initially comprising two cells linked by a narrow corridor, although interpretation is complicated by re-used stone. In the western cellar, three stones form part of a straight joint in the western wall, suggesting an early doorway that likely provided access into an adjacent building.