VICARS’ CLOSE
Vicars’ Close in Wells is easy to miss. Many visitors are rightly transfixed by the magnificence of the West Front of Wells Cathedral and fail to see this small side street just a few yards from the Cathedral Green. Vicars’ Close is well worth a visit and a major restoration project should ensure an even better experience for those who venture down this beautiful cobbled street in 2027.
Vicars’ Close is through this archway by the Cathedral Green
VICARS’ CLOSE residents
The picturesque, terraced houses that sit either side of Vicars’ Close were originally constructed to each house a vicar. They were built by Bishop Ralph of Shrewsbury and were occupied as early as 1348. (Some say that Vicars’ Close can lay claim to being the only completely medieval street left in England. Others state it’s the oldest continually inhabited residential street in Europe.) Either way, it is beautifully preserved.
Back in the 14th century there was housing for 42 Vicars – 22 sets of single chambers on the east side and 20 on the west. As you would expect, the houses were very basic and didn’t have a front garden. A modern day estate agent would probably describe them as ‘Bijou’!
front gardens are granted
Over the centuries minor concessions have been made. In the 15th century, Bishop Bubwith allowed 19 1/2 feet to be walled off in front of each house to be used as a front garden. In the 1660s some of the houses were allowed to be leased by ‘strangers’. According to ‘The Vicars’ Close’ by Hugh Parnell, 12 of the most decayed houses were allowed to be rented by “persons of good and honest reputation as will covenaunt to rebuild and repair them at their owne proper costs and charges.” ‘Strangers’ have been allowed to inhabit the close ever since. That being said, Vicars’ Close still serves its original purpose, providing homes for cathedral choristers and vergers. It’s hard to believe that clergy have been in residence for nearly 700 years!
Today, the close is made up of 27 houses, a chapel, a library, treasury and muniment room (a storage room for historical documents). A dining hall is connected to the Cathedral by a walkway.
This incredible street was described by Canon Godwin as, “…the most beautiful of its kind to be seen anywhere in England…” Most visitors today wouldn’t disagree. Indeed, Which? readers named Wells ‘Best Small UK City for a short break‘ in 2024 and 2022. I’m sure that the beauty of Vicars’ Close played a part.
AN EXCITING RESTORATION PROJECT
Wells Cathedral has received over £4 million from The National Lottery Heritage Fund towards its campaign to save Vicars’ Close. The conservation works are now underway and it is hoped that the ambitious project will be completed by the Spring 2027. (There is currently an £800,000 shortfall to fund the project, so donations are very welcome).
Once completed, visitors will be able to access property number 12 (which will house a visitor centre) and number 22 (which will show medieval living conditions). The historic archive room (the Muniments Room) will also be open to the public as will the Vicars’ Hall. More importantly, the incredible architecture will be preserved for many years to come.