Wells

Wells is the smallest city in the UK (excluding the City of London) and is situated on the southern edge of the Mendip Hills; it takes its name from 3 local wells - one in the Market Place and two in the grounds between the Bishop's Palace and the Cathedral.

We pass some prettily decorated Almshouses on our way to the Market Place and the main city attractions.  We pass through the Bishop's Eye and start at the Bishop's Palace, adjacent to Wells Cathedral; the Palace has been the home of the Bishops of the Diocese of Bath and Wells for 800 years.  The Palace is surrounded by a moat and walls and we walk over a bridge and through the Gatehouse; there is a magnificent croquet lawn in front of the Main House, which is itself next to the Chapel and the ruined Great Hall, and we walk along some of the moat for views.  After leaving, and on our way to see Vicars' Close, we pass the Cathedral West Front (unfortunately covered with scaffolding); Vicars' Close was built in the 14th century and is the only completely medieval street left in England.  

Then it is back to enter the beautiful Cathedral, which is dedicated to St Andrew the Apostle and built over the period 1176 to 1450; the nave is modern looking due to the "scissor arches" - these were a 14th century solution to sinking tower foundations.  The Chapter House is closed due to the pandemic, but the attractive staircase leading to it is visible.  The Cathedral has a large garden in the middle of the cloisters, a beautiful Quire, a magnificent Cathedral clock (with one of the oldest medieval clock faces in the world, dating from c1390) and an ancient font.

An excellent place for a visit.En savoir plus