Wells Cathedral
Wells Cathedral
The cathedral at wells is a beautiful example of Gothic and early English architecture, described as the most beautiful and poetic of English cathedrals.
The cathedral has many unique attractions not least the west front with its many sculptures some of them life sized. These magnificent statues would originally have been painted and are without doubt the finest display of medieval carving in England they include a statue of Christ the judge and the twelve apostles.
Inside the cathedral the magnificent scissor arches or St Andrews cross can be seen supporting the central tower, keep a lookout for the astronomical clock dating from 1392. The beautiful Lady Chapel is a must see, there is also a chained library.
The choir roof vault has a lovely pattern resembling wooden beams. The steps to the chapter house are famous and have been used as a film location.
Outside the Cathedral the moated Bishops palace has splendid gardens and a beautiful pool in which the glorious building can be seen reflected. These gardens are stunning and well worth exploring; the palace itself is reportedly the oldest inhabited building in England.
Next to the west front you can explore the vicars close with its rows of neat buildings and cobbled street the most oldest and complete medieval street in Europe, the close is home members of the cathedral choir, look out for another clock on the side of the cathedral.
The west front looks out onto a large grassed area and during the summer people can be seen picnicking and enjoying the view.