The cat flap of the North Tower at Exeter Cathedral.
This endearing sign of a valued cat occupant has fascinated the internet.
There is even historical evidence that shows these ancient mousers were well-paid for their hunting services.
The cat flap of the North Tower at Exeter Cathedral.(Photo:Richard Gillin via Flicker,CC BY-SA 2.0)
Exeter Cathedral was built across several centuries of the medieval period.
It boasts two Norman towers dating from 1114 and 1133, respectively.
A 13th-century Chapter House has a decadent wooden vaulted ceiling.
Exeter Cathedral, or the Cathedral Church of Saint Peter in Exeter, is a medieval cathedral in England. (Photo: WyrdLight.com viaWikimedia Commons,CC BY-SA 3.0)
Much of the stone knave was erected in the 14th century, including the magnificent carved bishop’s throne.
Considering the size of this religious center, many hands would have been needed to keep it running smoothly.
Among the helpers werecustorscathedral workers who oversaw things such as ringing bells and ceremonial vestments.
Exeter Cathedral would have required much mousing! (Photo: DAVID ILIFF viaWikimedia Commons,CC BY-SA 3.0)
Another special duty seems to have been paying the cathedral cat.
These clever felines were provided with an ancient cat flap, a hole carved into the North Tower door.
In return for its service, the cat was paid handsomely.
From 1305 to 1467 its wages appear in cathedral records.
Exeter’s long history of working cats went beyond the medieval period.
In World War II, an unpaidmouser named Tomroamed the church.
The oldest existing cat door.
Exeter Cathedral, or the Cathedral Church of Saint Peter in Exeter, is a medieval cathedral in England.
(Photo: WyrdLight.com viaWikimedia Commons,CC BY-SA 3.0)
Exeter Cathedral would have required much mousing!
