Medieval Street Architecture

This 16th century building shows the 17th century facade of the former Cross Keys Inn. The inn's 16 century gateway ( to the left) has the original doors and is the principal access to Benson's Court. The bracket carvings suggest it's former use as a house of ill-repute. If close to the building ,the discerning eye can see the carved figures of men, women and centaurs in a state of undress, illustrating the symbols of drinking, revelling and excess. Although the shop fronts have been faced up with 18th century walls and Edwardian windows, there has been almost no change in the general appearance of this street from at least 1860 and is unquestionably the finest example left of some Medieval architecture in Cambridgeshire. This refers to the whole street.