The Close

Winchester
Hampshire
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Beautiful and tranquil area close to Winchester Cathedral, centred on the Deanery, the successor to the medieval prior's house.

The porch was built in the 13th century, and formerly gave access to a hall of the same date. The Prior's Hall was reconstructed in the mid-15th century but the interior has been greatly altered. The best monastic survivals are found in the Close - a guesthouse was erected c.1308 in which visitors could be accommodated - St Swithun's priory had a deserved reputation for hospitality, a tradition revived today with the creation of the visitor centre.  One half of the guesthouse has been restored to something like its original appearance. Now known as the 'Pilgrims' Hall', it boasts the earliest surviving hammer-beam roof. The southern half of the building was the guestmaster's house, now incorporated in The Pilgrim’s School.  The Pilgrims' Hall is open to the public.

Nearby, the long, timber-framed range identified as the priory stables was built c.1500, as was the earlliest part of Cheyney Court, an enclave of the bishop's domain within the priory precincts. This much-photographed building, with its jettied façade, was the bishop's courthouse, where legal business connected with his area of private jurisdiction, the 'Soke', was transacted.

Other buildings have completely vanished. Contemporary texts mention a great barn, a brewhouse, and a forge; even in its urban location the monastery was self-supporting.

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