Wells, the second smallest city of England in terms of its population size and geographical area, has been a city since medieval times due to the cathedral. I had been fascinated by Clare’s (Suitcases and Sandcastles) mention of the oldest complete medieval street left in England on her post on Wells city. So, I asked my sister, during my weekend stay with her, whether we could visit Wells. She decided that we would go for the Sunday Holy Communion service at Wells Cathedral.
When we arrived at the cathedral around 7.30am, the entrance was closed. Someone pointed out a door on its West Front that had been left open for those coming for the service.
At the end of the hour long service, my sister and I decided that we would meet up on the cathedral green near the entrance in a few hours as I had wanted to wander around. Since it was a Sunday, the daily cathedral tours by volunteers was not available. I asked permission to take a few photos of the Quire area from a church staff preparing for the next service. While I would have loved to explore the rest of the cathedral, especially its chained library, I did appreciate having been part of the morning service which I would not have been able to had I visited on a weekday.
What catches one’s attention as you walk into the cathedral through the west front are the Scissor arches which, according to the cathedral website, had been added in 1338, when a new spire added to the top of the tower threatened to collapse the whole structure.
The 14th century stained glass windows of the Jesse window was impressive. While the windows narrowly escaped destruction during the English civil war and was protected during the second world war, the windows have been deteriorating over time. A protective glazing has been added to the exterior of the window and conservation work undertaken to preserve the beautiful window.
The Quire area, where the morning service had been held, is one of the oldest part of the cathedral and is beautiful.
The present organ was rebuilt in the 1970s, with the original instrument having been built in mid 19th century, with pipework from late 18th century.
While I had been eager to see the famous 14th century astronomical clock at the cathedral, considered the second oldest clock mechanism in Britain, and its two famous jousting knights and Quarter Jack, I could not see it within the cathedral as I could not wander around. However, there was a clock on the exterior face of the wall, facing the Vicar’s Hall, that was connected to the same mechanism as that of the clock inside.
I walked further and came upon the Vicar’s close, the medieval street that had intrigued me.
Built to house the Vicar’s Choral, which is an all male group, it still continues to be inhabited by successive choral groups.
At the end of the close is the Vicar’s chapel and library.
Returning to the Cathedral green, I sat on one of the benches overlooking the west front and admired the cathedral while taking a break.
Have you visited Wells Cathedral? What aspect of the cathedral intrigues you?
[Linking this post to City Tripping #67 and Faraway Files #22]
Perspectives Quilt 
I haven’t been to Wells myself but it sounds fascinating. Your photos and description are delightful. It makes me want to visit. Let’s hope I get there one day.
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Thank you and Wells city was fascinating, both for its cathedral and the Bishop’s palace next door. So, I hope you do visit the city someday.
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beautiful cathedral! #citytripping
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It is a beautiful cathedral, with lots of fascinating details, Tanja, so I hope you include it in your next visit to southwest England.
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Love Wells but I never knew it was Britain’s second smallest city! I’ve learned something today! Thanks for sharing with #citytripping
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Wells is England’s second smallest city (fourth in UK) but according to Wikipedia, St Asaph in Wales is UK’s second smallest city.
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I really really want to go to Well, even more now! #CityTripping
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I hope you do, Catherine.
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I am quite mesmerized by your photos. I’ve not visited, but oh what a treat it would be #citytripping
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Thank you and I sure you would enjoy your visit to Wells cathedral.
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Beautiful cathedral, looks like a great one to visit! #farawayfiles
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It sure is a beautiful cathedral and the city is a lovely place to visit, Amanda.
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The scissor arches are really striking! An impressive cathedral and very cute city. Worth a visit! Thanks for linking #citytripping
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The arches are really striking. There were lots of fascinating aspects to the cathedral that I feel I need to revisit on a weekday and go on one of the guided tours, organized the cathedral staff.
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I loved the cathedral at Wells – it’s so stunning. Hopefully one day you’ll get to return to see the clock and the chained library. Really happy you got to see Vicar’s Close – it’s quite special, isn’t it? Apparently one of the houses is run as a holiday home so you can actually stay there! Thanks so much for mentioning my post. Delighted to read this on #FarawayFiles
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Delighted to hear that one of the houses on Vicar’s close is run as a holiday home. Perhaps on my next visit, I will be able to fit in an overnight stay to explore the cathedral and the city more.
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Wells Cathedral went straight onto my must visit list in the UK after reading Clare’s post so I understand why you went too Ahila. What beautiful photos of such a calm and serene building – experiencing the service must have been a highlight. Thanks for sharing with us on #FarawayFiles
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Not sure how I missed this comment from last month. Thank you, Katy and yes, the service was the highlight of my visit to Wells cathedral.
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Stunning church. Love your perspective on it Ahila – thanks for sharing with #FarawayFiles, Erin
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I seem to be missing comments these days. Sorry about that. Thank you, Erin, and I am sure you’d love Wells cathedral and the adjoining Bishop’s palace as well as the tiny city environment.
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