Wells Cathedral: The First English Cathedral Built In Gothic style
Built between 1175 and 1490, Wells Cathedral in Somerset has been described as “the most poetic of the English Cathedrals”.
Set in the medieval heart of England’s smallest city, Wells is the earliest English Cathedral to be built in the Gothic style.
The current building is a significant landmark in the South West, it has an international reputation and is TripAdvisor ranked number one for things to do in Somerset.
Wells Cathedral has unique features that separate it from other English cathedrals including its iconic West Front and the beautiful ‘scissor arches’ supporting the central tower.
It also features one of the largest collections of historic stained glass in the country.
Furthermore, the Cathedral also boasts the famous Wells Clock (the second oldest clock mechanism in Great Britain), the fascinating octagonal Chapter House and one of only four chained libraries in the UK.
The Jesse Window
The Jesse Window at Wells Cathedral is one of the most splendid examples of 14th century stained glass in Europe.
The window, in its dominant colours of green and gold, depicts a Jesse tree and shows the family and ancestors of Christ, Jesse being the father of King David.
It dates from about 1340 and, considering its age, is still remarkably intact.
Fortunately, the window has survived the vicissitudes of time and British history (escaping destruction during the English Civil War) and so what we see today is basically how medieval glaziers designed and created it.
There have been sensitive repairs over the centuries, of course, and steps were taken during World War II to protect the Window.
The Cathedral clock
The famous Wells clock is considered to be the second oldest clock mechanism in Britain, and probably in the world, to survive in original condition and still in use.
The original works were made about 1390 and the clock face is the oldest surviving original of its kind anywhere.
When the clock strikes every quarter, jousting knights rush round above the clock and the Quarter Jack bangs the quarter hours with his heels.
The outside clock opposite Vicars’ Hall, placed there just over seventy years after is connected with the inside mechanism.
The Scissor Arches
The scissor arches, which often visitors believe to be later, modern additions were constructed from 1338-48 as an engineering solution to a very real problem.
By 1313 a high tower topped by a lead covered wooden spire had been constructed but as the foundations were not stable large cracks began to appear in the tower structure.
In fear of a total collapse, several attempts at internal strengthening and buttressing were made, until the famous ‘scissor arches’ were put in place by master mason William Joy as a solution.
Adjoining the Cathedral is Vicars’ Close, believed to be the only complete medieval street left in England.
Vicars’ Close was designed to provide accommodation for the Vicars Choral, who sing the daily services, and this is still the case today.
This centuries-old tradition is unique and a much valued part of the continuing life of Wells Cathedral.
The medieval windows of the houses and the garden archways seem to have survived more or less intact until the early nineteenth century, and even now a few still exist.
Wells Cathedral welcomes thousands of visitors each year who join in with regular daily services and events or who come simply to enjoy the calm and hospitality of this wonderful and holy place.
Free daily tours of the Cathedral are available all year except Sundays.
Someone who recently visited the Cathedral said: “This place is just absolutely phenomenal, the history and the architecture combined makes for a perfect, interesting wonder around while stopping in Wells.
”The staff are so friendly, a donation to get in and it is *so* worth it.
The library our favourite, it was totally fascinating with the chains and books over 1,000 years old, plus the chap in there was very informative and willing to answer any of our questions - he taught us lots we didn’t know.
”Such a peaceful, tranquil place, I would totally recommend visiting Wells Cathedral.”
If you’d like to visit, the address is: Cathedral Grn, Wells BA5 2UE.
If you enjoyed this blog post, please follow Exploring GB on Facebook for daily travel content and inspiration.
Don’t forget to check out our latest blog posts below!
Thank you for visiting Exploring GB.
