This 400-Year-Old Cat Flap in Exeter Cathedral Door Is Thought to Be the World’s Oldest

A holy, erm, hollow, relic of the feline-friendly history of Exeter Cathedral.

Stapledon cat, Exeter Cathedral, cat door — Stapledon, Exeter Cathedral’s “official” cat enjoys using the world’s oldest cat door. Photo: Exeter Cathedral

Why is there a hole in a door at Exeter Cathedral? You might be surprised to learn that it is not just a random feature, but a historical, well, opening that could be the world’s oldest cat door!

Exeter Cathedral is one of the most impressive Gothic buildings in England, dating back to the 12th century. It is famous for its stunning stained glass windows, intricate carvings, and magnificent vaulted ceiling. But there is also a hidden gem that many visitors might miss: a small hole at the bottom of a wooden door near the astronomical clock.

This hole was not part of the original design, but was added later in the 16th century by Bishop William Cotton, who served as the bishop of Exeter from 1598 to 1621. According to records, he paid eight pence to carpenters to cut a hole in the door for his cat. But why did he need a cat flap?

worlds oldest cat flap cat door exeter cathedral 1 — The world’s oldest cat door. Photo: Exeter Cathedral

The answer lies behind the door, where there is a cavity that houses the mechanism of the clock. The clock itself is one of the oldest working clocks in the world, installed in 1376. It displays not only the time, but also the phases of the moon and the position of the sun and stars. To keep it running smoothly, it was lubricated with animal fat, which attracted rodents.

Bishop Cotton had a clever solution: he let his cat access the cavity through the hole in the door, so that it could catch rats and mice and protect the clock. The cat was not only doing a favor to the bishop, but also to the cathedral, as it was on its payroll. Records show that cats were paid 13 pence or 26 pence a quarter for their services.

Exeter Cathedral clock — The astronomical clock of Exeter Cathedral has a lot to do with the world’s oldest cat door, located right under it. Photo: David P Howard

The cat flap at Exeter Cathedral is thought to be one of the earliest examples of a cat-access portal in history. Although it does not actually have a flap, it is still functional today, and attracts due interest from around the world.

The individual that enjoys visiting the cat door the most is, however, a feline called Stapledon (pictured above), named after Walter de Stapledon, a bishop of Exeter who was buried in the cathedral over 700 years ago. Stapledon the cat is part of a long tradition of cathedral cats who take their names from the monuments and tombstones inside the cathedral.

Exeter Cathedral cat door — An opening of historical significance.

Stapledon likes to explore the cathedral – not only in pursuit of rodents, but to about its history and art – yes, he’s a smart cat! Stapledon shares his adventures and discoveries on his blog, where he also welcomes visitors and friends.

And, of course, he uses the world’s oldest cat door on a daily basis!

Sources: 1, 2, 3