Here’s a relic of uneasy times. In 1327 the king allowed the cathedral authorities to protect their close with a massive wall. Great gates guarded the entrances. Not only are they still there, but they are still locked every night. The north gate faced the town centre and was given extra protection; it originally had a portcullis. The royal sanction is boldly proclaimed by the royal arms. Within on the left-hand side is the porter’s lodge, which retains 14th-Century details.
