Vicars’ Close in Wells, Europe’s oldest uniquely residential street, is set to undergo significant preservation efforts thanks to a £4.4 million grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund. The funding, announced on Tuesday (August 6), aims to address a backlog of repairs to the iconic 14th-century buildings, home to Wells Cathedral’s Vicars’ Choral. This initiative is part of a wider £7.4 million distribution to six significant heritage sites across the UK, including five places of worship currently listed on Historic England’s ‘At Risk’ Register.
The allocation of £4.4 million to Vicars’ Close will facilitate urgent repairs to the historic structures, ensuring their continued use as the home of the Vicars’ Choral while supporting a rich musical tradition that has thrived for over 650 years. In addition to the conservation efforts, a three-year program of events, exhibitions, and outreach will be implemented to inspire new generations of musicians from diverse backgrounds.
The Very Reverend Toby Wright, Dean of Wells Cathedral, expressed gratitude, stating, “Vicars’ Close is a truly remarkable place, possibly without parallel anywhere in the world. We have a responsibility not only to protect the architectural site but also to share its extraordinary heritage and enable more people to engage with it. We are absolutely thrilled that the National Lottery Heritage Fund has made such a generous and significant contribution to help us achieve that ambition.”
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Eilish McGuinness, chief executive of the National Lottery Heritage Fund, emphasized the importance of preserving historic buildings like Vicars’ Close, particularly in their role as a gateway to heritage and communities. “Thanks to money raised by National Lottery players, these six fantastic projects will take vital steps towards securing a brighter and more sustainable future for places of worship and reimagine how they can connect with and benefit their communities.”