Wells

Contents
1. Introduction 2. Interesting Facts 3. History 4. Main Sights 5. Top Museums 6. Local Cuisine 7. Getting There

Introduction

Tucked on the southern edge of the Mendip Hills, Wells (pop. 10,500) is England's smallest city, a priviledge acquired by charter in 1205 and that still applies today to this inflated village. Wells's charm lie in its medieval architecture and cobbled alleys. It features Britain's smallest cathedral, a jewel of Gothic artistry. Wells' history has been linked to the city of Bath for 850 years, and the city remains to this day the official residence of the Bishop of Bath and Wells. Adjacent to the cathedral stands the fortified Bishop's Palace, complete with its own moat and gardens, whilst nearby Vicars' Close claims to be the oldest planned street in Europe, housing a perfectly preserved row of 14th-century houses originally built for the cathedral's clergy. Despite its compact size, Wells offers visitors a remarkable concentration of medieval buildings, charming independent shops, and traditional pubs, all set within easy reach of the Mendip Hills and the Somerset Levels, making it an ideal base for exploring the broader region.

Interesting Facts about Wells

• Wells is often described as England's smallest city, though it's actually the second smallest after the City of London in both area and population.
• The city takes its name from three holy wells dedicated to Saint Andrew that lie within the grounds of the Bishop's Palace and cathedral.
• King Ine of Wessex founded a minster church in Wells in 704, making it an ecclesiastical city of importance since at least the early 8th century.
• Wells Cathedral's famous astronomical clock features jousting knights that perform every quarter-hour and is the oldest surviving original of its kind in the world.
• The cathedral has the heaviest ring of ten bells in the world, with the tenor bell weighing just over 56 cwt (6,272 lb or 2,844 kg).
• Wells Cathedral's west front displays almost 300 original medieval statues carved from warm, yellow Doulting stone, creating what's said to be the finest collection of statuary in Europe.
• Vicars' Close is Europe's oldest residential street where people still live, completed in the mid-fourteenth century and owned by Wells Cathedral.
• The Bishop's Palace has been home to bishops for 800 years and features mute swans that ring a bell when they want food beside the gatehouse drawbridge.
• Wells was the largest city in Somerset for several hundred years, flourishing not only because of its cathedral but also due to local cloth making.
• The city's unique scissor arches inside the cathedral were built to support the heavy central tower.
• Wells lost its railway connection in 1964 following the Beeching cuts, despite having had stations on three different railway lines in the 19th century.
• During the Monmouth Rebellion in 1685, Wells was the last place where the notorious "Bloody Assizes" were held, with over 500 men put on trial in a single day.
• Wells Cathedral School was founded possibly as early as 909, making it one of the oldest schools in England and one of five established musical schools for school-age children in the UK.
• The city's historic architecture has made it a popular filming location for numerous films and television programmes.
• Wells played a significant role in both the English Civil War and the Monmouth Rebellion, with Parliamentarian troops once using the cathedral to stable their horses.

History

Born as aminor Romans settlement, Wells got kickstarted as a town in 704, when King Ine of Wessex founded a minster church, which was to become the seat of the Bishopric of Wells in 909. The diocese was transferred to the growing city of Bath in 1088, leading to bitter disputes between the religious communities in the two cities. Things got worse in 1197, when Bishop Savaric FitzGeldewin annexed Glastonbury Abbey and rashly renamed his jurisdiction 'Diocese of Glastonbury'. A peaceful resolution was found in 1245 when Pope Innocent IV compromised for the name 'Diocese of Bath and Wells'.

The city's name derives from the three wells dedicated to Saint Andrew, one in the market place and two within the grounds of the Bishop's Palace and cathedral.

During the English Civil War (1642–1651), Parliamentarian troops used the Cathedral as a stable for their horses and mutilated much of the beautiful sculptures by using them for firing practice. The cathedral was further damaged during the Monmouth Rebellion of 1685. The rebel army tore away lead from the roof to make bullets, broke windows, smashed the organ and stabled their horses in the nave. This culminated in the Bloody Assizes, when over 1,400 imprisoned rebels were tried and sentenced to death or transported to the West Indies as cheap labour. 300 men were hanged.

The industrial revolution brought the railway to Wells. The city has had three railway stations, the first opened in 1859, but all had closed by 1964.

Well's city status was confirmed and formalised by Queen Elizabeth II by letters patent issued under the Great Seal dated 1 April 1974.

Main Attractions

Wells Cathedral

The city's grand sight is Wells Cathedral. Although diminutive by national standard, it dominates the landscape as it should. Built between 1175 and 1490, it has been described as "the most poetic of the English Cathedrals". The west front was completed around 1250 in the Early English Gothic style. It sports some 300 medieval statues, one of the finest collection of statuary in Europe (along with the Townhall of Brussels). The figures were originally painted and gilded. Internally, the cathedral is noted for its unique strainer arches, commonly known as scissor arches, which were added in the 14th century to support the central tower. Other notable features include an octagonal Chapter House, a fine collection of mediaeval stained glass, and a 14th-century astronomical clock.

The Bishop’s Palace and Gardens

Adjacent to the cathedral, The Bishop’s Palace has been the residence of the Bishops of Bath and Wells for more than 800 years. The site is surrounded by a moat, where for generations, mute swans have been taught to ring a bell at the gatehouse to ask for food. The grounds encompass 14 acres of gardens, which include the tranquil well pools that give the city of Wells its name. Within the defensive walls are the ruins of a mediaeval Great Hall, the Bishop's private chapel, and lawns for recreation. The extensive gardens feature an arboretum, formal flowerbeds, a community garden, and a children's play area. The palace and its gardens are open to the public throughout the year and offer guided tours.

Vicars’ Close

Vicars' Close, leading to the southern end of the cathedral, is claimed to be the oldest purely residential street with its original buildings surviving intact in Europe. It is a planned street built in all at once the mid-14th century. It was designed to provide accommodation for the Vicars Choral, the choir of Wells Cathedral. The close runs on 140 metres and comprises a cobbled lane lined with 42 Grade I listed houses, a chapel, a library, a treasury, and a dining hall, all connected to the cathedral via a covered walkway called the Chain Gate Bridge. This allowed the vicars to move between their lodgings and the cathedral for services without having to pass through the public streets.

Wells Market Place

The historic Wells Market Place functions as the city's main commercial and civic square, situated by the entrances to the cathedral precincts and Bishop's Palace. It continues a tradition of hosting markets that stretches back for centuries, with a general market held every Wednesday and Saturday offering local produce, artisan foods, and crafts. The square is framed by two significant mediaeval gateways: the Bishop’s Eye, which leads into the Bishop's Palace grounds, and Penniless Porch, which provides access to the Cathedral Green. Other features in the square include the city's Georgian Town Hall and a historic water conduit that once provided public water.

Other Sights

Also of interest are the Bishop's Eye and Penniless Porch, two entrance gateways into the walled precinct that encloses the cathedral, and the 13th-century Church of St Cuthbert.

Nearby Attractions

Ebbor Gorge

Located just outside Wells, Ebbor Gorge is a National Nature Reserve managed by Natural England. This limestone gorge was carved out by the action of water and offers a more secluded and wilder alternative to the nearby Cheddar Gorge. The reserve features several marked walking trails that wind through ancient woodland, leading visitors through the gorge itself and up to viewpoints that provide panoramic views across the Somerset countryside towards Glastonbury Tor. The gorge is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, recognised for its geology and its diverse flora and fauna, including various woodland birds and plant species.

Top Museums

Wells & Mendip Museum

Located adjacent to the magnificent Wells Cathedral, the Wells & Mendip Museum is housed in the former Chancellors’ House, a Grade II listed building with origins dating back to the 15th century. Its charming rooms retain a Victorian feel and tell the story of Wells and the surrounding Mendip region.

What to Discover

• Natural and Local History:
  Step into themed rooms exhibiting geological specimens from the Mendip Hills, rare fossils—including a Jurassic 'sea dragon'—and artefacts unearthed from local caves such as Wookey Hole. One highlight is the display of bones believed to belong to the legendary Witch of Wookey Hole.
• Archaeology and Social History:
  Discover a superb collection of artefacts spanning the Stone Age and Iron Age to Roman lead ingots, medieval statuary from Wells Cathedral, and historical objects chronicling Wells’ social evolution. The museum also hosts a collection of 18th-century embroidery samplers, some crafted by children as young as seven.
• Caving and Exploration:
  Delve into the world beneath the Mendip Hills, learning about the history of cave exploration and cave diving. Exhibits document the pioneering work of the museum’s founder, Herbert Balch, a renowned caver and geologist.
• Immersive Experiences:
  Explore a reconstructed First World War trench and learn about the lives and bravery of local heroes through special displays, making history feel both personal and poignant.
• Rotating Exhibitions and Events:
  The museum regularly features temporary exhibitions covering local artists or wider topics of interest and is home to the Wells City Archives, open to researchers by appointment.

This museum provides a deeply engaging, personal window onto Wells’ past and the area’s stunning natural world.

The Bishop’s Palace & Gardens

While not a museum in the traditional sense, The Bishop’s Palace is a significant heritage attraction that features unique historic collections and architectural treasures.

What to Explore

• Historic Palace:
  Explore over 800 years of history within the medieval palace walls, including elegant rooms, vaulted undercrofts, and breathtaking halls. The site presents a vivid picture of the bishops’ lives and local ecclesiastical heritage.
• Gardens and Wells:
  The 14-acre grounds are home to the natural springs that gave Wells its name. The tranquil gardens, complete with a picturesque moat and playful resident swans, provide a serene contrast to the city’s bustle.
• Family-friendly Events and Art:
  The Palace regularly hosts cultural activities, family events, and exhibitions, further enriching the visitor experience.

Local Cuisine

The local dining landscape ranges from traditional fish and chips at establishments like Tuckers to sophisticated modern British cuisine featuring locally-sourced ingredients. Food enthusiasts can savour Somerset cheddar cheese and locally-produced cider, whilst the twice-weekly Wells Market showcases the region's finest artisan preserves, handmade fudge, and locally-cured meats. The city's restaurants embrace a farm-to-table philosophy, with many establishments housed in historic buildings offering everything from classic Sunday roasts and traditional pies to contemporary vegetable-led sharing plates. International flavours are well-represented too, with authentic Indian, Thai, Italian, and Mediterranean cuisines complementing the traditional British fare. Whether you fancy a proper full English breakfast, locally-sourced scotch eggs, or innovative dishes crafted from Somerset's seasonal produce, Wells provides a thoroughly satisfying gastronomic experience that celebrates both local tradition and culinary innovation.

Getting There & Around

Wells is located 35 km (20 mi.) due south of Bristol and 9 km (6 mi.) north-east of Glastonbury. There is no train station in the city, so the only way to get there by public transport is by bus/coach. The most convenient options is from Bristol Temple Meads (with the 376 bus service taking approximately one hour) or Bath Spa (with the 173 or 174 bus services taking around one hour and twenty minutes), with Bath Spa being particularly convenient as the bus station sits adjacent to the railway station.

By coach, visitors can take advantage of direct long-distance services, including Berrys Coaches' daily "Superfast 3" service connecting London directly to Wells Bus Station, as well as National Express services such as the NX403 route from London Victoria Coach Station via Heathrow Airport.

By car, Wells is easily accessible via the A39, which connects the city to the M5 motorway to the west and continues through to Bath and the M4 in the north, whilst the A371 provides connections to Weston-Super-Mare in the west and Wincanton and the A303 to the south, making it straightforward to reach from major motorways and cities across the country.