Cathedral School

The Cathedral School, originally known as the Bishop's Palace, is a remarkable architectural complex dating from around 1460 to 1500, with later contributions from Bishop Seth Ward between 1670 and 1674, and further alterations in the late 18th and 19th centuries. This irregular building is constructed of flint, stone, and ashlar, featuring some crenellation and old tile roofs.

The north and entrance front primarily reflects the mid-15th century style, while the original Palace buildings on the west side date back to the early 13th century, with the Great Hall located on the first floor running north and south. This room was later modified into a drawing room in the 18th century, showcasing large Palladian windows at both ends and in the middle of the west side. The central part of the building includes the former dining hall, which was transformed into an entrance hall with a chapel above it. To the east stands a square entrance tower and a later Great Hall, likely constructed between 1450 and 1480. The south side features significant additions of a simpler design made in the late 18th century, along with work from the 17th and early 18th centuries.

Inside, there is an important undercroft with six bays supported by two short round piers that carry circular abaci and heavy single chamfered arches and ribs. The drawing room, which replaced the Great Hall, dates from the time of Bishop Sherlock around 1740 and includes a stucco garlanded frieze with heads, a coved ceiling, and a central panel decorated with an eagle. The Venetian windows in this room are framed by Corinthian columns. The chapel, dating from the 15th century, features a visible buttress on the north front, straight-headed windows, and moulded beams on the ceiling. It also contains Jacobean stalls and communion rails with flat open work balusters, along with a screen. A grand staircase, installed by Seth Ward, rises in two flights and returns for the second floor, featuring turned balusters and a solid string.

The Cathedral School forms a unique group with the Cathedral, and all the listed buildings in the Close create an outstanding ensemble.