In the shadow of the soaring Wells Cathedral lies a cobblestone street that seems frozen in time. Vicar’s Close, with its two rows of 14th-century stone houses, is a piece of living history – the oldest continuously inhabited street in Europe. For over 650 years, this enclave has been home to the cathedral’s choir singers, a tradition that endures to this day. But the passage of centuries has taken its toll, and now the close is facing a crisis. Without urgent restoration, this unique heritage site could be lost forever.
A Step Back in Time
To walk through the arched gates of Vicar’s Close is to be transported to another era. The two terraces of Grade I listed houses, built from the local silvery-pink stone, have stood here since 1348. Inside, the homes retain much of their original character. Narrow winding staircases, uneven floors, and leaded glass windows offer glimpses of medieval life.
The close was purpose-built to house the “vicars choral” – the men who have sung daily services in the cathedral for centuries. It was a way to keep them focused on their spiritual duties, away from worldly temptations. In fact, a bridge was added in the 15th century so the singers could pass from their homes to the cathedral without encountering the general public.
“It’s a remarkable street because it’s still used for its original purpose,” explains Cathedral Dean Toby Wright. “It is internationally unique.”
Living Heritage Under Threat
Today, the close remains home to the 12 men who provide the lower voices of the choir. But the wear and tear of the ages is evident. Leaking roofs, failing windows, crumbling masonry – the houses are in desperate need of repair and modernization. Without intervention, this centuries-old way of life could come to an end.
“If we don’t look after this treasure, we’re going to lose it,” warns Dean Wright. “The stakes are that high.”
The Cathedral has launched an ambitious £7 million project to save the close. The plans include complete re-roofing, drainage improvements, wall restoration, window repairs, and upgrades to insulation and heating. The aim is not just to preserve the historic fabric, but to ensure the homes remain livable for the choral community.
Sharing a Hidden Gem
Another key goal of the project is to open up this hidden historical gem to the public. Despite its significance, Vicar’s Close often goes unnoticed by the thousands of visitors who flock to Wells Cathedral each year. New visitor facilities, interpretive exhibits, and guided tours of the previously unseen areas aim to change that.
Highlights will include access to two of the historic houses, the chapel at the north end of the close, and the Muniment Room – a perfectly preserved medieval archive that has remained almost untouched for centuries. Visitors will have the chance to immerse themselves in the close’s unique history and gain insight into the unbroken choral tradition that has shaped life here for generations.
“We hope this place will catch the people’s imagination,” says Dean Wright. “And that they will want to invest in making sure it is a living reality in the future.”
The Fight for the Future
So far, the Cathedral has secured over £6 million in funding, including a major grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund. But to fully realize the vision, it still needs to raise an additional £800,000. It’s a daunting challenge, but one that those who love this place believe is well worth fighting for.
For the current residents, like tenor Matthew Minter, life on the close remains an extraordinary privilege – and a vital connection to the past. “It’s incredible to feel that we’re walking in the steps of our ancestors, doing this wonderful role,” he reflects. But without action now, that connection could be severed forever.
The race is on to save not just a collection of historic buildings, but a living legacy that is woven into the very fabric of English cultural heritage. The hope is that by opening its doors and sharing its stories, Vicar’s Close can secure its future – and continue to inspire and delight for centuries to come.
