Lincoln -The Ancient Houses

Front Text - Jews House - Within the walled city of Lincoln are a number of historic houses. Perhaps the best known is the Jews House in The Strait, pictured above. It was built in the 12th century, and apart from the shop windows, remains unchanged. The chimney shaft for the fireplace on the upper floor rises from the ornamented round-arched doorway. The upper storey still has two round-headed windows. Here lived Belaset of Wallingford, a Jewess hanged in 1290 for "clipping the King's coin". The adjoining 12th century building is Jews Court, thought to have been either a Synagogue or a Jewish school. On Steep Hill is another Norman house, erroneously called the house of Aaron the Jew. In the same street is The Harlequin, a 16th century half-tambered house, and at the corner of Bailgate, a fine three-gabled building with two overhanging storeys.Adjoining the Exchequer Gate is the Deanery, restored last century. Cantilupe Chantry House (1360) stands opposite the south porch of the cathedral. Opposite the east end of the cathedral is the Chancery, built c. 1316, the three-gabled front being added c. 1485. Other historic houses may be seen in Pottergate, Eastgate, James Street, Vicars Court, and many other corners of this historic city. Local History CardsNo. 489© Gatehouse Prints.;Front Period - ca. 1361;Category - Jewish House (the)