The Great Hall (Bishop's residence)

The Great Hall, which served as the Bishop's residence, is part of a larger complex of buildings including the Queen's Hall (Headmaster's House) that adjoins it to the southwest. Originally built in the mid-13th century, the hall was remodelled in the early 14th century and later subdivided into three storeys during the Commonwealth period. It sits above a vaulted undercroft characterized by ribbed vaults that rise from plain columns lacking capitals. The hall itself consists of five bays and originally featured an open roof with arched principals and wind braces, some of which remain. The fine stone corbels supporting the principals are notable, sculpted in the form of crouching figures.

The building is constructed of Carr stone rubble with ashlar dressings, likely of Barnack or a similar stone. It has a parapet, string course, and stopped end gables. A sexfoil window, potentially dating back to the 13th century, has been reset into the west gable. A massive central chimney stack projects northwards, featuring three offsets. An original pointed arched window survives to the east of the chimney stack. On the east end, a section of the south wall of the Monks' Kitchen remains, marked by a tall, blocked semi-circular arch and triple shafted piers with scalloped capitals. A porch and staircase, leading to the Great Hall, are positioned north of this kitchen wall. The interior exhibits alterations, but retains features from the 13th and 14th centuries.

The Great Hall forms part of a significant group of buildings with the Bishop's Palace, the Queen's Hall, and other monastic structures, including walls enclosing gardens, the Ely Porta, and associated buildings like the Prior's House and barn. The group value of this collection is also considered in the general description for the Cathedral of The Holy Trinity.