Wells Cathedral has announced the death of Jerry Sampson, a renowned archaeologist whose work on the cathedral's historic West Front has left an indelible legacy.

Jerry, a specialist in medieval church buildings and furnishings, passed away recently, leaving behind a lifetime of contributions to conservation and archaeology.

Jerry's work on Wells Cathedral's West Front, as part of the conservation programme from 1974 to 1986, was internationally recognised. At the time, the project was the most significant of its kind in Europe, drawing attention from experts and dignitaries alike. Among them was King Charles III, then Prince of Wales, who wrote the foreword to Jerry's seminal 1998 book Wells Cathedral West Front: Construction, Sculpture and Conservation.

The conservation programme not only safeguarded nearly 300 thirteenth-century sculptures but also provided a rare opportunity for detailed analysis of their construction and history. Jerry worked alongside conservators and masons, meticulously documenting the sculptures and their context within the cathedral's design. His research offered the first clear understanding of the West Front's original construction and the repairs it had undergone over 700 years.

Cathedral archivist Veronica Howe praised Jerry's meticulous work, noting the enduring value of his contributions. "Jerry worked on many aspects of caring for the cathedral after being appointed Wells Cathedral Archaeologist in 2014. He leaves a rich legacy in the cathedral archives, which is already informing the next planned phase of West Front conservation and will remain a unique resource for future researchers," she said.

Jerry's expertise extended beyond Wells. A prolific author and lecturer, he wrote extensively on conservation architecture and served as President of the Somerset Archaeological and Natural History Society. His knowledge and passion for medieval architecture made him a respected figure in his field.

As tributes pour in from colleagues and the wider community, the impact of Jerry's work on Wells Cathedral and the field of archaeology is clear. His careful documentation and innovative approaches to conservation have ensured that the stories held in the stones of Wells Cathedral will endure for generations.