Vicars Court, Medieval residential complex in Lincoln, England.
Vicars Court is a medieval residential complex in Lincoln arranged around a sloping central courtyard with four irregular two-story ranges featuring dressed stone walls and pantile roofs. The building retains multiple preserved medieval toilets on the ground floor and contains ceiling beams with supporting corbels that show the original medieval craftsmanship.
Construction of the lodgings began in the late 13th century under Bishop Sutton's direction, with records showing completion by 1309. The site developed into a key example of medieval ecclesiastical architecture in England.
This complex housed priests who took over cathedral duties when the Prebendaries were away from their positions. Walking through the narrow rooms today reveals how confined daily life was for these clergy members.
Walking through the four ranges around the courtyard is possible, though some interior spaces may have limited access. Visitors should expect uneven ground in the courtyard area and wear comfortable footwear.
Tree-ring analysis of oak timbers from the roof confirms construction occurred between 1289 and 1334, providing precise dating of the medieval origins. This scientific method offers a rare direct window into when the structure was actually built.
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