IMAGES TAKEN NEAR TO
Wells Cathedral, WELLS, BA5 2PA

An image of arches in Wells Cathedral. The central elements are part of the strainer arches which were constructed in the fourteenth century to correct a settling problem arising from the weight of the central crossing tower.

The central tower appears to have dated from the early 13th century. It was substantially reconstructed in the early 14th century during the remodelling of the east end. In the 14th century the tower was given a timber and lead spire which burnt down in 1439. The exterior was then reworked in the Perpendicular style and given the present parapet and pinnacles (Tatton-Brown, Tim; Crook, John, 2002; The English Cathedral; New Holland Publishers, ISBN 978-1843301202).

In the north transept is Wells Cathedral clock, an astronomical clock from about 1325, believed to be the work of Peter Lightfoot, a monk of Glastonbury. Its mechanism, dated to between 1386 and 1392, was replaced in the 19th century, and the original mechanism moved to the Science Museum in London, where it continues to operate. It is the second-oldest surviving clock in England, after the Salisbury cathedral clock.

On the left, a workman is on the top of the cathedral roof

One of the iconic sights of England is the 14th scissor arches of the cathedral, see https://www.wellscathedral.org.uk/your-cathedral/history/historical-highlights/the-scissor-arches/ for an explanation. This is the side facing the north transept.

St John stands at the foot of the cross on the rood beam, and is glimpsed here through one of the circular openings in the tower arch to the north transept, see Image for context.

Ralph of Shrewsbury, Bishop of Bath and Wells 1329-63 Founded the College of Vicars and built their Hall and adjacent accommodation, which is the beautiful twin rows of medieval dwellings that is known as Vicars Close. Upon the death of Dean Godley in 1333 the cathedral was left unfinished, and it is stated that it was largely due to the efforts of Bishop Ralph that the East wing was completed, and the magnificent West Front is here for us all to admire.

By Harrison & Harrison, originally from 1910. Updated in 1973 and again Circa 2002. The original build retained parts from the previous Willis organ dating back to 1857. In fact organs can be dated back to the 14th Century. The case is by Alan Rome from 1974. Consists of 4 manuals and Pedals, with 67 stops.

These unique arches were a medieval solution in 1338-1348 to sinking tower foundations.

The choir stalls have 19th-century stone canopies and modern embroideries commemorating bishops. The 19th century saw the restoration of the building and its fittings.