The Priory Gate, overgrown with Wisteria, is the ancient 15th century southern entrance to Winchester Cathedral's Inner Close. Hampshire, England, UK.


This picture shows the old 15th century Priory Gate (also known as Saint Swithun’s Gate) which is the southern entrance to the Inner Close of Winchester Cathedral. The gateway is just about wide enough to drive a car through, though its massive iron-studded oak doors are still closed every evening. Beside the gate is part of Cheyney Court, a Tudor timber framed house which was literally the Court House of the Bishops of Winchester. The Bishop held judicial power over a large portion of the city in medieval times and continued to do so until 1835. Nowadays however the house is the residence of the Headmaster of the Pilgrim’s School. Tucked into the corner between the gate and Cheyney court, hiding behind the luxuriant Wisteria, is the old Porter’s Lodge, and above the gate there also exists a tiny room, which was originally part of the organists house.


Size: 2848px × 4287px
Location: Dome Alley, Winchester, Hampshire, England, United Kingdom, UK, Great Britain, GB.
Photo credit: © Andrew Wood / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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