Wells Cathedral Magnets

The magnificent west front of Wells Cathedral (Somerset, England), which dates from AD 1175. The architecture is Early English gothic. 13th February 2024.

In the nave of Wells Cathedral (Somerset, England), your eye is drawn to the 'Scissor Arches' (top right). Although they look quite modern, they were in fact a mediaeval solution to sinking tower foundations, c1348. 12th February 2024.

Wells Cathedral is an Anglican cathedral in Wells, Somerset, England, dedicated to St Andrew the Apostle and seat of the Bishop of Bath and Wells. The image is of the most well known, West Face.

Water colour of Wells Cathedral in the UK

An original drawing of Wells Cathedral Somerset, England created with Procreate. Original Digital Art

Wells Cathedral Number of views as of 3rd June 2018 = 410. The superb west front of Wells Cathedral (Somerset, England). The present cathedral dates from 1175 to 1490, and replaced an earlier church on the same site built in AD 705. Date: 28th May 2015. Click here to view my Somerset collection.

This is an image of the Cathedral Church of Saint Andrew the Apostle in the city of Wells, Somerset, England. There are many cathedrals in England dating back to medieval times, but this is described as being the first that was built in a purely gothic style. Apparently, construction stated in 1175 and continued into the 1400s. It's strange to think that there were people who toiled for years to build this remarkable edifice but in their lifetimes they were not able to see it completed. Even so, it remains as a symbol of faith to all who worked in its construction, they were truly craftsmen.

Looking from historic Vicars Close to the magnificent cathedral in Wells, Somerset. These houses make up what is reputed to be the oldest purely residential street in Europe. It was built in the 14th century to house the Vicars Choral who sang in the adjacent cathedral. Now these Grade 1 listed buildings house the present 12 choristers together with organists and vergers. The cathedral, built between 1175 and 1490, is arguably one of the finest Gothic buildings anywhere.

If you are visiting Wells, the smallest city in England, you must take a look at the Vicars' Close, which is very close by to the cathedral. A 'close' is a dead-end street. The claim is that this is the oldest residential street in Europe, with all but one of its houses remaining intact since the 14th century. I remember reading that the street includes an optical illusion of sorts in that the cobbled road is tapered to give the illusion that it is longer than it actually is, and vice versa from the other end. The houses are still occupied by the vicars and others who work at the cathedral.

I didn't have a lot of time, but while visiting Wells, the smallest city in England, I did have a quick look around the wonderful Cathedral Church of St Andrew the Apostle. Once inside I was taken by the the remarkable Saint Andrew's Cross that sits within the criss-cross of an arch that separates the nave from the choir. I did read that the arch was an afterthought as during construction it was realised that there was some instability in the walls. As afterthoughts go, this provided a most graceful solution to the problem. As I read further, it seems that construction of the cathedral started in 1175 and continued into the 1400s, which makes me think that most of the people who toiled here to build this place never saw it complete.

Chapter House Steps Number of views as of 16th April 2019 = 920. The magnificent Chapter House steps in Wells Cathedral, Somerset, England. Wells is the smallest city in England, but its cathedral (built between 1175 and 1490 in the Early English style) is one of the finest in the land. The steps leading to the Chapter House date from 1306 and the erosion resulting from countless footsteps upon them can be clearly seen. Date: 29th May 2010.

wells cathedral in black and white

Detail of the cloisters of Wells Cathedral, Somerset, UK Wells Cathedral is one of the world's finest examples of medieval Gothic architecture. The existing structure, including the cloisters, date from the early 12th century.

Bishop's Palace Moat, Wells Number of views as of 9th May 2018 = 525. The Bishop's Palace in Wells (Somerset, England) has been the home of the Bishops of Bath and Wells for over 800 years. A Grade 1 listed building, the building of the palace began in the year 1210 AD on land adjoining the city's cathedral. The walls, gatehouse and moat were added in the 14th century. Originally, the palace was surrounded by a medieval deer park. Much of the palace is now open to the public as a tourist attraction, and is well worth a visit. Date: 12th July 2015.

Detail of the Cathedral of Wells, Somerset, UK Nikon D5200; lens: AF-S Nikko 17-55mm

Bishop's Palace Garden, Wells This view of Wells Cathedral (Somerset, England), taken from within the beautiful Bishop's Palace Gardens shows the cathedral church reflected in the naturally-occurring 'well pools' from which the city takes its name. The Bishop's Palace has been home to the Bishops of Bath and Wells for over 800 years and the gardens (though changing over the years) have been there a similar length of time. Sheltered beneath the Mendip Hills, and with a population of just over 10,000 residents, Wells is often referred to as England's smallest city, though this is technically incorrect. England's smallest city is in fact the City of London, though this is of course a part of the Greater London metropolis. Date: 28th May 201...

I was visiting Wells, the smallest city in England, located in Somerset, and had time to look inside the remarkable Cathedral Church of Saint Andrew the Apostle. Construction of the cathedral started in 1175, but didn't finish until the 1400s. I can't help but think about the people who toiled for so long to build this place but who in their own lifetimes never saw it complete. I remember reading about the glorious arch that sits about halfway along the nave. It wasn't supposed to be there, but during construction it was realised that there was some instability in the walls so the workaround was to build this arch to brace the walls. And what a beautiful workaround it is.

Detail of a marble tomb in Wells Cathedral, Somerset, UK

"It's about two-feet tall, long slender neck, kinda orange and black bill..." "Anything else?" "Well... it's a swan." pencil, ink, marker, gel.