A £7 million restoration project is underway to preserve Vicars' Close, the oldest medieval street in Europe still inhabited for its original purpose. Located next to Wells Cathedral, the Close has been home to cathedral choristers and clergy for nearly 700 years.

The restoration, scheduled for completion in spring 2027, aims to protect the historic architecture, improve visitor access, and safeguard the Close's future. Despite major grants and donations, Wells Cathedral still needs to raise £800,000 to complete the project.

Why is the Vicars' Close restoration happening?

Centuries of repairs and modifications have left Vicars' Close in urgent need of restoration. Many previous restoration efforts, particularly in the 1970s and 1980s, unintentionally caused damage, trapping moisture in the stonework and creating problems such as leaking gutters, damp interiors, and structural wear.

The project will focus on essential repairs, including:

• Fixing water ingress issues to prevent further damage
• Restoring and preserving the 14th-century stonework
• Improving drainage and replacing misaligned gutters
• Opening new areas of the Close for public access
• Enhancing visitor experiences with historical interpretation

What makes Vicars' Close so special?

Vicars' Close was built in 1348 to house the vicars choral, a group of clergy responsible for singing the cathedral's daily services. Unlike many medieval streets that have changed over time, Vicars' Close remains remarkably intact, still serving its original purpose.

Originally, the Close consisted of 40 houses, built in two symmetrical rows, with pink stone walls, steeply pitched roofs, and tall chimneys. Over the centuries, the number of houses was reduced to 27, as families and servants moved in, expanding some properties.

Today, it remains home to cathedral choristers, vergers, and Wells Cathedral School boarders, keeping its centuries-old tradition alive.

What will change after the restoration?

While the Close will continue to be a residential community, parts of it will be opened to the public for the first time.

Key features include:

• No. 22 – One of the most intact interiors in the Close, showcasing medieval living conditions, including stone floors and Victorian ceiling decorations.
• No. 12 – A new visitor centre, where guests can learn about the Close's choral history and how sacred music evolved from plainchant to polyphony.
• The Muniments Room – A historic archive room dating back to the 1300s, containing early deeds and documents.
• Vicars' Hall – The former dining hall of the vicars choral, where visitors can experience the daily life of medieval clergy.
• Immersive sound and projections – Bringing the history of Vicars' Close to life through interactive storytelling and audio experiences.

Who is funding the restoration?

The project received a £4.4 million grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, alongside contributions from private donors and charities. Wells Cathedral is still working to raise the remaining £800,000 needed to complete the restoration.

What does Wells Cathedral say about the project?

The Very Revd Toby Wright, Dean of Wells, described Vicars' Close as "a truly remarkable place—possibly without parallel anywhere in the world".

"We have a responsibility not only to protect the architectural site, but also to share its extraordinary heritage and enable more people to engage with it."

When will the restoration be completed?

The restoration is expected to be finished by spring 2027. Once complete, new visitor areas, interactive exhibits, and improved conservation efforts will ensure that Vicars' Close remains a living piece of history for future generations.

How can people support the project?

Wells Cathedral continues to raise funds for the final phase of the project. Donations can be made via the Wells Cathedral website or through various fundraising events and appeals.

This restoration project represents a significant step in preserving one of Wells' most iconic landmarks, ensuring it remains a treasured part of the city's heritage for years to come.