Wells Cathedral launches limited-edition gin inspired by English botany pioneer

Dean Turner's New Herball Gin now on sale at the Cathedral Shop

Wells Cathedral has released a new limited-edition gin to mark the 600th anniversary of its medieval Chained Library.

Dean Turner's New Herball Gin, made in partnership with Somerset distillers Still Sisters, is now on sale exclusively in the Cathedral Shop. The handcrafted gin celebrates the life and legacy of Dr William Turner, a former Dean of Wells and the so-called 'father of English botany'.

Turner's most famous work, A New Herball—the first botanical text written in English—is held in the Cathedral's historic library. The new gin pays tribute to this heritage, using locally sourced botanicals inspired by those Turner studied in the 16th century.

Priced at £27 for a 350ml bottle, the gin is available in limited quantities. Cathedral staff say it makes a fitting gift for gin enthusiasts or anyone with an interest in the city's history. The Cathedral Shop is open from 10am to 4.30pm (11am to 3pm on Sundays) between October and March, and until 5pm from April to September.

Visitors can also see Turner's original work on a library tour and explore the Camery Garden, located within the Cathedral precincts.