Vicars’ Close was built over 650 years ago to house the Vicars Choral of the Cathedral Choir, and it continues to be inhabited by their successors today. Vicars’ Close is a unique site, physically connected to Wells Cathedral by the Chain Gate, and reputedly the oldest intact medieval street in Europe (1348) still used for its original purpose.
Vicars’ Close: A Medieval Street Singing Through the Centuries will save this internationally significant architectural site. It will deliver an exciting and ambitious new visitor experience, together with a programme of events to uncover and celebrate our heritage. Working in partnership across our communities, the Project will ensure that Vicars’ Close remains valued, protected, and relevant for future generations.
Image: Paul Blakemore
As well as repairing the buildings, we are engaging people from across Somerset in a whole range of activities – from singing and oral histories to wildlife gardening.
If you are based in Somerset and excited about community, creativity or history, we would love to hear from you.
Head to our Vicars’ Close Activites and Events page to find out more.
Regular tours of the Close and its hidden spaces are available to book throughout the year, either in advance via Eventbrite or at the Welcome Desk in the Cathedral (subject to availablity).
Get Tickets
To develop our Project, we have convened a fantastic team of buildings’ conservation specialists, but we have also talked to our community. Understanding the needs and priorities across Somerset, listening to what interests our visitors, and exploring why some people don’t visit or engage are just some of the things that we believe are crucial to creating a project that delivers something amazing for as many people as possible.
Read our report on some of our trial activities, ‘Discovering Vicars’ Close’ below:
Read the Report
The project will take four years to complete and cost in the region of £7 million to deliver. As of March 2025, We have secured £6.3 million of funding, including a grant of £4.4 million from the National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF) and other generous funders, leaving £800,000 still to be raised to complete the project.
If you would like to help make our plans a reality, please visit our JustGiving page using the button below. Every donation, large or small, will make a difference.
Donate Now
To find out more about the project and how you can get involved, please contact Crystal Johnson, Project Director on 01749 832201 or email Crystal.Johnson@wellscathedral.org.uk
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