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Protect Wells Cathedral for future generations

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Remember us in your Will

A gift in your Will to Wells Cathedral is one of the most valuable and lasting ways you can continue to support both our mission and ministry and safeguard this special place for the future.

Every gift in every Will, however large or small, makes a huge difference to the present and future of this historic site.

By leaving a gift in your Will, you can become a key part of the Cathedral’s legacy, and ensure that our important work will continue, not just this year and next year, but for decades to come.

Your help can sustain our daily worship and prayer, support our world-renowned music and education programmes, protect an irreplaceable piece of English heritage, and ensure Wells Cathedral continues to shine as a beacon of light and hope for future generations.

How do I include Wells Cathedral in my Will?

The three simplest type of gifts you can choose to leave to Wells Cathedral in your Will are:

  • A percentage of your estate – This is a residuary gift. Even 1% can be left to Wells Cathedral in your Will so those closest to you inherit 99%.
  • A specific cash sum  – This is a pecuniary gift, often referred to as a cash gift.
  • An item of value  – Specific gifts are things you own, such as jewellery, a stamp collection, or property.

Leaving a gift in your Will is straightforward. Once you are ready to pledge a gift to Wells Cathedral, simply contact your solicitor or other Will-writing professionals and let them know:

  • Our registered charity name: The Cathedral Church of St Andrew in Wells
  • Our registered address: Wells Cathedral Offices, 1st & 2nd Floors, 16 Market Place, Wells, Somerset, BA5 2RB
  • Our registered charity number: 1207269

A gift of even 1% of your estate could make an enormous difference to us, and your loved ones will still inherit 99%. You could even save on inheritance tax with a gift to charity.

Every gift will safeguard this magnificent and sacred place for future generations.

Once you’ve updated your Will, you will feel reassured to know that you’ve looked after your loved ones, and that you will help us to maintain Wells Cathedral for the future.

Our promise to You

However you chose to leave a Gift in your Will to Wells Cathedral, we will be deeply grateful for your generosity and support.

If you wish to tell us about your gift, we would be delighted to hear from you so that we can thank you personally. However, if you prefer to keep your decision private, please accept our heartfelt thanks for your very special gift.

Our Legacy Promise

Wells Cathedral is proud to have a Legacy Promise, setting out our commitment to you, your loved ones and your family:

  • We recognise your loved ones will always come first in your Will.
  • We will never pressure you to include us in your Will – it is completely your decision.
  • We will never ask you the size or type of gift if you decide to support our work in this special way.
  • We will respect your privacy. Your Will is a personal document expressing your wishes, and we will treat any information you provide to us as confidential.
  • We’d love to hear from you if you would like to let us know you have left us a gift in your Will. Equally, we respect your decision if you prefer not to.
  • We fully understand that personal circumstances change and there might be a time when you must take us out of your Will.
  • The aims and objectives of Wells Cathedral will not change in the foreseeable future. We will use your gift carefully and cost-effectively so that it has the greatest possible impact on our work.
  • We will handle whatever gift you leave us with care, sensitivity and respect.

Make a pledge and become a Wells Cathedral Guardian

Gifts in Wills are really important to the Cathedral, as these wonderful displays of support enable us to maintain and care for Wells Cathedral and all it offers to our community for future generations.

If you would like to become a Wells Cathedral Guardian by letting us know you have pledged a gift in your Will, please do get in touch. Wells Cathedral Guardians choose to receive updates on our work and invites to our annual supporter events, where they learn more about what we do and how their gifts may be used.

By getting in touch to notify us of your intentions, you are not committing yourself to anything and it is not legally binding. You are simply allowing Wells Cathedral to confidently estimate future support for its cause.

Please help us by becoming a Wells Cathedral Guardian today.

For more information about leaving a gift in your Will, please contact:

Georgina Landau, Director of Development
georgina.landau@wellscathedral.org.uk 
Tel. 07747 214856

Sarah Purdon, Development Manger  
sarah.purdon@wellscathedral.org.uk 
Tel. 01749 832211

Why include us in your Will

Wells Cathedral has been inspiring pilgrims and visitors for nearly 850 years, but the Cathedral is completely self-financed. This means we receive no regular income from the government or Church of England. As such, our work and the preservation of the Cathedral is wholly reliant on Gifts in Wills and other fundraised and earned income.

Many of our congregation, visitors, community members and friends choose to leave a gift to Wells Cathedral in their Will, to support a cause that’s been important in their life. Given the uncertain times we are operating in, and the expected decline in other funding sources, income from Gifts in Wills is now more important to our work than ever before.

How your gift might be spent

Gifts in Wills enable us to plan for future projects. It helps maintain the Grade 1 listed Cathedral building and its fabric so it can continue to be a beacon of hope and inspiration for congregations and visitors from across the globe, it sustains musical excellence, and supports engagement with schools and local communities.

Large or small, every gift in every Will makes a positive impact and will be used to support our work, whether the gift is expressed as cash or a share of an estate.

Leaving a Gift in your Will is a very special thing to do which costs you nothing now and allows you to continue supporting our work well into the future. You could even save on inheritance tax if you leave a gift to charity. Even a gift of 1 percent of your estate could make a real difference to our work.

What has been the impact of Gifts in Wills?

Gifts in Wills have maintained this precious place for centuries. From Bishop Bubwith in 1424 (whose generous gift established our medieval Chained Library) through to the present day, Gifts in Wills are integral to maintaining Wells Cathedral for the future.

Today, this vital source of income continues to preserve our historic estate and enable critical fabric repairs. Recent examples include the North Transept conservation works, inspiring young musicians and supporting their first steps into Cathedral music, and enabling critical projects to sustain our mission long into the future.

school visits library

What could a gift to the Cathedral do for us?

Every year, Gifts in Wills underpin our work as a beacon of faith and hope within the county of Somerset and beyond. These special gifts strengthen our spiritual life, preserve our heritage, foster a vibrant community, and enable us to continue to welcome and serve communities across our diocese, county and beyond.

Frequently Asked Questions

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What is a Will?

A Will is a legal document that sets out what you’d like to happen after you die. It lets you choose who receives your money, property and personal items, and who’ll carry out your wishes. It can also include guardianship for children and funeral preferences, helping make sure your voice is heard.

i What is a Will?
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When should I update my Will?

A Will matters at any age, especially if you’ve got children, a home or specific wishes you’d like respected.

You don’t need to wait until you’re older and your Will isn’t just useful for when you’re unwell. It’s about being prepared. If something unexpected happens, it means your wishes are known and the people around you are protected.

i When should I update my Will?
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I don’t own much – do I still need a Will?

Yes. A Will isn’t just about money. It’s about making sure your personal items, your guardianship choices and your other wishes are followed as you would like them to be.

i I don’t own much – do I still need a Will?
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Is writing or updating my Will complicated?

No. We would recommend you write or update your Will with the support of a solicitor or professional Will-writer, who will advise you and ensure that your Will is legally valid and tailored to your individual needs.

And if you’re thinking of including a gift to Wells Cathedral, that’s straightforward too. Here is the information you will need to pass to your solicitor or professional Will-writer:

Our registered charity name: The Cathedral Church of St Andrew in Wells
Our registered address: Wells Cathedral Offices, 1st & 2nd Floors, 16 Market Place, Wells, Somerset, BA5 2RB
Our registered charity number: 1207269

i Is writing or updating my Will complicated?
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How do I get started?

Writing or updating your Will is a chance to reflect on what matters most to you, and to support a cause that’s been important in your life.

It’s simple to get started and there is plenty of support available to help you make your Will with confidence.

We recommend you speak to your solicitor or professional Will writer. They will give you advice, for example on the types of gifts you might wish to leave, or on Inheritance Tax planning. They will also make sure your wishes are clear and that your Will is legally valid.

i How do I get started?
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Can a gift in my Will minimise my inheritance tax liability?

If you leave a gift in your Will to charity, you may be able to reduce your inheritance tax liability. We recommend talking to your solicitor or HMRC for further advice and information.

i Can a gift in my Will minimise my inheritance tax liability?
Supporting the Cathedral
  • The Vicars’ Close Project
  • Vicars’ Close Supporters
  • The Wells Cathedral Grand Organ Project
  • Make a general donation
  • Save Vicars’ Close
  • The Bekynton Circle
  • Remember us in your Will
  • Grant-making trusts and corporate partners
  • Friends of Wells Cathedral
    • Listen to our Music