Vicars' Close, City of Wells
This is Vicars’ Close adjacent to Wells Cathedral. It’s said to be the only complete medieval street left in England. It was designed to provide communal accommodation for the Vicars Choral, who sang daily worship within the Cathedral, a tradition that continues today. The houses of the close were built in the 14th century under direction from Bishop Ralph of Shrewsbury and the iconic chimneys were added in the 15th century. Originally 42 houses were built (one per vicar), but some were combined following the Reformation when vicars were allowed to marry, so now there are only 27 residences.
Vicars' Close, City of Wells
This is Vicars’ Close adjacent to Wells Cathedral. It’s said to be the only complete medieval street left in England. It was designed to provide communal accommodation for the Vicars Choral, who sang daily worship within the Cathedral, a tradition that continues today. The houses of the close were built in the 14th century under direction from Bishop Ralph of Shrewsbury and the iconic chimneys were added in the 15th century. Originally 42 houses were built (one per vicar), but some were combined following the Reformation when vicars were allowed to marry, so now there are only 27 residences.