Little Stile

The only gate into Cathedral Yard that is no longer in existence as a right of way, Little Stile was a postern gate of approximately 1.5 metres width, for pedestrians only. It was a route that continued from the pathway in front of the Three Gables, or artisans houses, to South Street, western side bounded by the Globe Hotel. There is a record of it once being named "Cook Row Street" on a map (D&CN&Q). Cook's Row was the top of Southgate Street. The installing of a new, full sized lamp at Little Stile appears to hace created considerable discussion with the Commission of Improvement. There had recently been an election in St Mary Major's Ward, and it would seem that some thought there was a connection. Politicians have often promised favours for votes, it would seem. Richard Parker, who was hung as a naval mutineer was born in 1767 in Little Stile. In June 1797 he was involved in a naval mutiny at Sheerness that was fighting to improve the conditions of seamen. His father was a baker in Little Stile. The Three Gables date from the mid-17th century. The three houses have cellars lined with Heavitree stone, and are of timber frame construction. In the 1980's, one was the office of Web & Bower, the publishers of a Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady. They even had the original diary on show in a glass case.

The loss of the top of South Street and the Globe Hotel in the bombing of May 1942, led to a new entrance to Cathedral Yard being cut from South Street and adjacent to St Petroc's Church. Little Stile was blocked by the rebuilding of the new shops in South Street.