England’s smallest city home to Europe’s ‘oldest’ medieval street

In the heart of Somerset lies the smallest city, home to the oldest medieval in Europe.

Vicars’ Close, located next to Cathedral, is regarded as the only fully-preserved medieval street in the country.

The medieval street was built in the 14th century to house the Vicars Choral, who conducted daily services at the Cathedral, and it continues to serve this purpose to this day.

The street plays an essential role in the daily life of Wells Cathedral, whose renowned choir dates back to the 1100s.

Once made up of 42 homes, Vicars’ Close now contains 27 residences.

All the buildings are listed as Grade I, and the Vicars Choral, along with the cathedral’s organists and virgers, still live there.

The Vicars’ Hall, completed in 1348, housed a communal dining room, administrative offices, and the treasury for the Vicars Choral.

The majestic houses on the street were built in the 14th and early 15th centuries.

As the smallest city in England, Wells exudes a quaint and serene vibe, with cobbled streets, beautiful Georgian and medieval buildings, and a rich cultural heritage.

Wells is a historic and picturesque city known for its stunning cathedral, medieval streets, and charming atmosphere.

The Wells clock in the cathedral is widely recognised as one of the oldest working clock mechanisms in Britain and possibly the world, still functioning in its original form.

Built around 1390, its clock face holds the distinction of being the oldest surviving example of its kind.

However, the oldest street in Europe and historic treasure is in need of restoration to address deteriorating conditions.

Leaking roofs, poor insulation, and water damage reportedly threaten the future of Vicars’ Close.

While the cathedral has raised most of the £7 million needed for repairs, an additional £800,000 is still required to complete the restoration project.