Cathedral Close Exeter

UK Cathedrals: Cathedral Close, Exeter

Cathedral Close, Exeter, Devon

Jake Davies

Cathedral Close in Exeter was created at the end of the 13th century when the area around Exeter Cathedral was enclosed by a wall and gates. The road bordering the Cathedral Green to the northeast is Cathedral Close, and the road to the northwest is Cathedral Yard.

8 & 9 Cathedral Close, Exeter. — 8 & 9 Cathedral Close, Exeter

History

7 Cathedral Close was formerly the townhouse of the Courtenay Family, Since 1813 it has houses the Devon & Exeter Institution, a members-only library dedicated to the diffusion of the the arts and sciences. The elegant library and study rooms can also be used by students and staff of Exeter University.

8, 9, & 9 a are a group of buildings with a central courtyard. Dating to about 1500, though parts may be a little older. Built for the use of the cathedral canons, following the reformation they were leased to private citizens and until recently were used as solicitor's offices.

10 Exeter Close has been in continuous possession of the cathedral since it was built. The oldest part dates back to the 14th century though it has been extensively altered in the 16th, 17th, and 19th centuries. It is currently the Deanery. It's most noted feature is the large, oak door which is at least 400 years old. The door has in recent years been popularized by fans of Harry Potter who believe it is the inspiration for the door to the Room of Requirement, a secret room in the fictional Hogwarts. Harry Potter creator, J.K. Rowling was a student at Exeter University so would have been familiar with the door at number 10.

The door to The Deanery, 10 Cathedral Close, Exeter. — The Door to The Deanery, 10 Cathedral Close, Exeter

Goods From Japan delivered to your home or business. — Goods From Japan delivered to your home or business

Medieval oak door in Cathedral Close, Exeter. — Medieval oak door in Cathedral Close, Exeter

Access - Getting There

Exeter Cathedral (exeter-cathedral.org.uk)
1 The Cloisters
Exeter
EX1 1HS
UK
Tel: 01392 285 983 (Visitors officer)
Hours: 9.30 am - 5 pm

The nearest railway stations are Exeter St David's and Exeter Central.

Exeter's main railway station is Exeter St David's Station with rail links to Bristol, Birmingham and London Paddington Station in London as well as on to Plymouth. Local trains run south from Exeter St David's to the Victorian seaside resort of Exmouth.

The nearest airport is Exeter International Airport, just 5 miles to the east of Exeter city near Clyst Honiton off the A30.

The airport has regular domestic flights to Aberdeen, Alicante, Belfast, Edinburgh, Guernsey/Jersey, the Isles of Scilly, Leeds Bradford, Manchester and Newcastle.

International destinations include Amsterdam, Dubrovnik, Dublin, Faro, Funchal, Geneva, Hannover, Larnaca, Nice, Palma, Paris, Malaga and Salzburg.

Accommodation

Exeter offers a range of accommodation options to suit all budgets and tastes. Choose from a range of hotels and guest houses in Exeter including the four-star Mercure Exeter Southgate Hotel, the four-star Southernhay House Hotel, and Jurys Inn Exeter, also a four-star hotel.

See here for a complete list of accommodation in Exeter.