A landmark £7 million restoration is now underway at Vicars' Close in Wells, aiming to preserve what is believed to be Europe's oldest medieval street still used for its original purpose.

The 14th-century Close, nestled beside Wells Cathedral, has been home to choristers and clergy for nearly 700 years. It remains a working community today, housing cathedral staff, school boarders, and vergers in a setting largely unchanged since 1348.

Scheduled for completion in spring 2027, the ambitious project will restore crumbling stonework, tackle long-standing drainage issues, and reverse damage caused by earlier repair efforts in the 1970s and 1980s. Misaligned gutters, trapped moisture, and internal damp have left parts of the Close in urgent need of attention.

But the restoration isn't just about repairs. For the first time, several historic buildings within Vicars' Close will be opened to the public. Highlights will include No. 22, showcasing original floors and 19th-century ceilings; a new visitor centre at No. 12 exploring the Close's choral heritage; the medieval Muniments Room filled with centuries-old documents; and Vicars' Hall, the former refectory for the vicars choral. Immersive audio and projections will bring the Close's layered history to life.

The Very Revd Toby Wright, Dean of Wells, said: "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."

The restoration is backed by a £4.4 million grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, alongside support from donors and trusts.

Wells Cathedral still needs to raise £800,000 to complete the project and is inviting public support through donations and fundraising events.

Work has already begun at No. 16, with re-roofing and essential conservation underway. Planning is in progress for future visitor areas and community engagement across Somerset.