Ely Porta

Ely Porta was begun in 1397 and completed by Prior Poucher between 1401 and 1418. This large, rectangular, five-story block is constructed of rag-stone with Weldon (or similar) stone dressings. Four square, castellated corner turrets rise above the parapet. The north and south ends retain the original castellated parapet, while the east and west fronts have a later plain brick parapet. A central carriageway rises through two stories, featuring a wide, single four-centred arch on the east front and two four-centred arches on the west front: one for carriages and a smaller one for pedestrians. The interior vaulting is incomplete. The windows on the east and west fronts are of similar design. Above the carriageway, on the second storey of each front, is a pointed arched, three-light window with curvilinear tracery, illuminating what was the Bishop's court room. Flanking windows are two-light with cusped arched heads and square hood moulds. On the ground storey of the north end of the west front is a small single-light window, which lit what was the Bishop's prison and remained in use, according to prison reports, until the end of the 17th century when the prison was moved to Lynn Road. The second storey of the west front features four canopied niches. Horizontal string courses run between the storeys and beneath the parapet. The roof is tiled and hipped, representing a later replacement of the original flat, leaded roof.

Ely Porta forms a group with other buildings including the Bishop's Palace, the Prior's House, and various monastic structures, alongside related walls, gardens, and ancillary buildings. Further details are provided within the general group description for the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity.