Prior's House (Boarding House of the Kings School)

The Prior’s House, now a boarding house of the King’s School, was largely rebuilt in the early 14th century by Prior Crauden (1321-41), incorporating a 12th-century vaulted undercroft. The undercroft features groined vaults and transverse arches in its northern section, with 14th-century vaulting to the south. Originally, the hall was connected to the Prior's Study (now demolished) and his private chapel by a gallery. A wing at the north-east end served as the porch to the Prior’s Great Hall (Old Hall), which stood to the north. The upper storey originally contained an Audit Chamber. In the 15th century, a staircase wing was added to the south-east end, followed by a building in the 17th century adjoining the south-east corner of the hall and extending eastwards. The building was formerly known as Bishop’s House.

The hall is constructed primarily of Carr stone rubble with Barnack stone dressings and a significant amount of 14th-century brickwork. It has a parapet and string course and is buttressed. The ground storey features 14th-century pointed arched windows with Decorated tracery, while the first storey has early 16th-century square windows with three and four arched lights. The roof is tiled, with arched braces to the principals and arched windbraces.

Inside, Norman and medieval features remain, including a particularly fine early 14th-century fireplace on the north-west side of the hall (originally in Prior Crauden’s study). This fireplace has a sloping overmantel, castellated frieze, and corner turrets supported by carved corbels with heads.

The Prior's House forms a group with the Bishop’s Palace and several related buildings, including the Great Hall, Queen's Hall, walls associated with various monastic and palace areas, the Ely Porta, a barn and storehouse, and the Gallery. Details of this group are further described under the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity.