Welcome to a new series of articles called 'Flash Facts' on Lessons and Joys of Travel, whereby I'll collate 10 key facts on fascinating sights local to me (the South West of England) which hopefully prove fascinating to learn about. I'm passionate about the history and range of sights available to see in the South West of England, and this is the start of me committing myself to becoming a tour guide and showing visitors around this stunning region of Britain. I've just returned back from an incredible trip to Tanzania to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, and after seeing tour guides do what they do so well over many years of tours now - it's something that I want to do and I am determined to make it happen. I love travel and am passionate about the importance of good guiding. For now, I hope you enjoy this edition of 'Flash Facts' which focuses on one of Somerset's highlights: the glorious 12th century place of worship called Wells Cathedral.
The adjacent Bishop's Palace behind the Cathedral of Wells is home to four springs or 'holy wells'. This is where the city's name, 'Wells', was derived from. It's also believed that back in Roman times there was a small shrine here and after a small Christian chapel.
Wells Cathedral is the earliest English cathedral to be built fully in the Gothic style, between the years of 1175 and 1490. Other Gothic cathedrals around the world include the likes of Notre Dame in Paris, Milan's famous 'Duomo' and St Vitus Cathedral in Prague.
Wells Cathedral is located in the smallest city in England. The city council boundary area is surrounded by countryside and is 2.11 square miles - making it the smallest free-standing city in the UK! The 'City of London' is smaller at 1.12 square miles however because it is part of the larger urban area of Greater London - Wells is considered the smallest city in the UK. It's been historically considered a city because it is the seat of a cathedral and diocese, however it wasn't until the 1st April 1974 when Queen Elizabeth confirmed city status. By population, Wells is the 4th smallest in the UK; 1st is St. David's.
The organ of Wells Cathedral has stood on the stone 'pulpitum' above the Quire entrance since approximately 1335; the present organ was built in 1857 by Henry Willis. Since then the organ has been rebuilt and enlarged - 1973 and 1974 saw a dramatic organ case built - this was the most recent large work carried out to the cathedral's organ.
The beautiful 'scissor arches' of Wells were a masterstroke of engineering which fixed an ill-judged 1313 storey addition to the central tower. After the new storey, the central tower began to crack and lean, however master mason William Joy was able to redistribute the stresses and secure the tower thanks to the scissor arches built between 1338 and 1348.
6. 1245 saw the splendid new church become the cathedral that we see today, when the Pope authorised Wells to be a seat of a bishop and in turn a cathedral as well, following a petition by Bishop Jocelin. The bishop took the title of Bishop of Bath and Wells.
7. The Vicar's Close is connected to Wells Cathedral by a bridge, and it is known as the only completely medieval street left in England. This street was completed in 1363, and it was designed in order to be lodgings for the members of the cathedral choir.
8. The astronomical clock at Wells Cathedral is one of the oldest medieval clock faces in the world; it was installed in 1390. On the quarter hour, jousting knights still rush around above the clock. The clock face is the oldest surviving of its kind anywhere in the world.
9. Cathedral clergy used to meet in the Chapter House to discuss cathedral business, whilst it is still used on formal occasions. Completed in 1306, the Chapter House is reached by a much-photographed set of stairs which have been well worn over time by footfall.
10. The West Front of the cathedral still features about 300 of its original medieval statues. This is the iconic view of the exterior of Wells Cathedral; the West Front is an architectural masterpiece. It features biblical scenes, kings, angels, the twelve apostles and Jesus Christ.
Wells Cathedral stands proud as on the most outstanding historical and architectural highlights of the South West of England. It's somewhere I have enjoyed visiting very much over the years, and I believe it is a fascinating stop on a tour in this region. From my visits to numerous cathedrals in the UK and Europe - I genuinely believe that Wells Cathedral is one of the most beautiful places of worship in which I've been privileged to visit - it's a engineering marvel to see.
By Aaron Woodruff
Lessons and Joys of Travel
14/07/2024
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