A significant £7 million restoration project has commenced to preserve Vicars' Close, a Grade I-listed medieval street located in Wells, Somerset. Built in 1348, Vicars' Close is believed to be Europe’s oldest medieval street still serving its initial function—providing accommodation for the singers and staff of Wells Cathedral.
Originally designed to house the Wells Vicars Choral, the street today continues to accommodate musicians, organists, and vergers working at Wells Cathedral. Due to urgent repair needs, the restoration will encompass re-roofing, drainage improvements, wall conservation, and exterior joinery repairs to ensure the buildings become watertight and structurally sound.
A key feature of the project is the opening of four of the 27 historic houses, along with a new sensory garden, making parts of this hidden heritage accessible to the public for the first time. The restoration is scheduled for completion in spring 2027.
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The Very Revd Toby Wright, Dean of Wells, emphasized the dual responsibility of safeguarding Vicars’ Close’s architectural integrity and sharing its rich heritage with a wider audience. Wells Cathedral still seeks to raise £800,000 to fully fund the restoration, inviting public donations and support through fundraising initiatives.