Located at the cathedral end of Castle Hill, this is where tenants who rented property from the church came to pay their rents. A chequered cloth was used to aide the counting of the rent monies, and it is from the alternating black and white pattern of the cloth that we get the word ‘Exchequer’. The gate was built in the 14th century, and probably acted as the main, ceremonial access point to the Cathedral close.
To call this lovely building a ‘gate’ does not convey a sense of how grand the structure really is. There are actually three gates, or passages through Exchequer Gate to the cathedral precinct; two smaller postern gates flank a pointed central arch, vaulted with brick. Octagonal turrets flank the central arch, and the whole structure is topped with battlements.
Above the arches are two further floors of rooms, which were at one time let as dwellings. The origin of the building is uncertain, but tradition holds that it was constructed during the reign of Edward I.
I have only been to Lincolnn once and that many years ago – I am now wishing it a little closer, as I would dearly love to visit
There are a lot of historical buildings to enjoy
It’s not somewhere I’ve ever visited. It;s a shame that Lincoln seems to be off the beaten track on my trips elsewhere as I would very much like to see it for myself. It looks beautiful.
I think you would enjoy it very much
Beautiful. Not a hope of getting planning permission for it today.
Or an architect to design such classic beauty.
Wow, truly impressive!
Reminded me so much of Peterborough.
Market square, gate, then the Cathedral.
Similar setting different scales.
Peterborough is a place I haven’t visited
I have to say, you have some great night shots over this series of posts. I found it a magnificent place to wander with the camera at night. My only gripe from a photographers point of view was that they built the Exchequer Gate too close to the Cathedral.
Yes the proximity of the gate does pose a problem in taking a photograph of the front of the cathedral.
There are however some great views of the cathedral from the castle walls. At the moment the scaffolding round one of the turrets rather spoils the effect. Maybe next time
I quite agree about the Castle wall view
https://www.flickr.com/photos/jayzspaze/16007095152/in/photostream
Thanks J
I followed your picture back to your blog and am now following you on Flickr 