10 Cathedral Close

The doorway to the courtyard of 10 Cathedral Close has been drawn countless times by artists, photographed by many, and reproduced on a hundred different post cards. The studded door made of Devon oak has a small postern door to allow pedestrian access, without having to swing the heavy weight of the main door open. It is one of a series of decorative oak doors in Exeter, including one at the Guildhall, made around about 1600. Over the archway can be found the coat of arms of Bishop Cotton (1598-1621).

The oldest parts of the building date from about the 14th century, but later alterations were made in the 16th, 17th and 19th centuries. One room contains a carved ceiling, bearing the arms of the Courtenay family, the historian Hake, Bishops Fox, Lacey and Oldham, and Lady Margaret Beaufort. There is a Jacobean plaster 'barrelled' ceiling in the Chapel.

The building has been in the possession of the Cathedral authorities for its entire life. It has been the residence of the chancellor of the Cathedral. The Treasurer and the Chief Verger were also based in the building. During the twentieth-century it was the residence of the Lord Bishop of Crediton. One Bishop of Crediton, the Right Rev Robert Edward Trefusis, 1897 to 1930, lost his two sons, Captain Arthur Owen Trefusis and Captain Haworth Walter Trefusis on the 7 July and 7 November 1916 respectively, in the First World War.

The building is now occupied by the Dean of Exeter, who in 2009 is the Rev Canon Jonathan Meyrick. 'Johnny' Dean, as he is referred to, has acquired a reputation for liking 'rock and roll' and also gives a weekly video thought on the Express and Echo website.

Sources: Various trade directories and Exeter City Guide Books.