The Chain Gate with Approach Staircase

The Chain Gate, with its approach staircase, dates from approximately 1460 and was built for Bishop Beckington. It is constructed of Doulting stone ashlar with a Welsh slate roof, featuring a stone ridge, a plain gable to the north, and an abutment to the south.

The west elevation is two storeys high, with four bays to the north and three bays to the west. Moulded strings run to the level of the first floor and the underside of the crenellated parapet. The north bays have panelled faces with angled pinnacles beginning from the floor string. Bays one and four contain four-centred arched pedestrian entrances, with two tiers of three-panelled divisions above. Bays two and three share a wagon arch window of a unique design, composed of two lights with a transom and tracery. The windows in bays two and three are wider, incorporating a statue niche instead of a central mullion. The remaining three bays are simpler, with the ground floor incorporating elements from the 12th century, including a large segmental pointed open arch in bay two. The first floor has three-light windows with linked labels. All merlons and the panels between them are panelled.

To the south, two bays of heavier 12th-century construction enclose the staircase leading to the Chapter House, featuring a string and parapet, buttresses, and two four-light Geometric traceried windows with pointed arched labels and sloping sills, all connecting to the north transept of the Cathedral. The east elevation is of similar character.

The interior includes the approach staircase, which partially curves into the Chapter House. Part of the staircase dates from around 1240 to 1286, while the upper part was constructed in 1459 within a vaulted lobby. A cornice with fleurons sits beneath the roof, which has a roll-moulded wall plate and canted rafters. The three-bay south section includes steps leading up from the doorway to the Chapter House, with a plank door in the central bay and a roof over an axial section. A lower bay leads to the doorway of the Vicars' Hall.