Vicars Close Wells A fourteenth century street
* Wells has so many historical buildings that one is spoilt for choice. The Cathedral is obviously outstanding but I particularly liked this little street called Vicars Close. The houses were built in 1363 with the chimneys added around 1470. An intact medieval street that is not a museum but a fully lived in place . I walked past everyday and it was amusing to see on Thursday that the dustbins were out ready for collection . Not a good day to visit Wells if you want a clear shot of the Close . This shot was taken about 6.30 am just before sunrise it was hand held
Vicars' Close is claimed to be the oldest purely residential street with original buildings surviving intact in Europe. John Julius Norwich called it "that rarest of survivals, a planned street of the mid-14th century".It comprises numerous Grade I listed buildings, comprising 27 residences (originally 44), built for Bishop Ralph of Shrewsbury, a chapel and library at the north end, and a hall at the south end, over an arched gate. It is connected at its southern end to the cathedral by way of a walkway over Chain Gate.
The houses on either side of the close were built in the 14th and the iconic chimneys were added in the 15th century. centuries. The Close is about 460 feet long, and paved with setts. Its width is tapered by 10 feet to make it look longer when viewed from the main entrance nearest the cathedral. When viewed from the other end it looks shorter.
This significant landmark was designed to provide communal accommodation for the Vicars Choral, who sang daily worship within the Cathedral. This centuries-old tradition continues today and is a unique and much valued part of life at Wells Cathedral. The current occupants still include all twelve men of the Vicars Choral, plus the organists and vergers and their families
THANKS FOR YOUR VISIT TO MY STREAM.
I WOULD BE VERY GRATEFUL IF YOU COULD NOT FAVE A PHOTO WITHOUT ALSO LEAVING A COMMENT .
Vicars Close Wells A fourteenth century street
* Wells has so many historical buildings that one is spoilt for choice. The Cathedral is obviously outstanding but I particularly liked this little street called Vicars Close. The houses were built in 1363 with the chimneys added around 1470. An intact medieval street that is not a museum but a fully lived in place . I walked past everyday and it was amusing to see on Thursday that the dustbins were out ready for collection . Not a good day to visit Wells if you want a clear shot of the Close . This shot was taken about 6.30 am just before sunrise it was hand held
Vicars' Close is claimed to be the oldest purely residential street with original buildings surviving intact in Europe. John Julius Norwich called it "that rarest of survivals, a planned street of the mid-14th century".It comprises numerous Grade I listed buildings, comprising 27 residences (originally 44), built for Bishop Ralph of Shrewsbury, a chapel and library at the north end, and a hall at the south end, over an arched gate. It is connected at its southern end to the cathedral by way of a walkway over Chain Gate.
The houses on either side of the close were built in the 14th and the iconic chimneys were added in the 15th century. centuries. The Close is about 460 feet long, and paved with setts. Its width is tapered by 10 feet to make it look longer when viewed from the main entrance nearest the cathedral. When viewed from the other end it looks shorter.
This significant landmark was designed to provide communal accommodation for the Vicars Choral, who sang daily worship within the Cathedral. This centuries-old tradition continues today and is a unique and much valued part of life at Wells Cathedral. The current occupants still include all twelve men of the Vicars Choral, plus the organists and vergers and their families
THANKS FOR YOUR VISIT TO MY STREAM.
I WOULD BE VERY GRATEFUL IF YOU COULD NOT FAVE A PHOTO WITHOUT ALSO LEAVING A COMMENT .