Nearly 4,000 pipes from the historic organ at Wells Cathedral have been sent 300 miles to Durham for urgent repairs, as part of a £3 million restoration project.

Mechanical faults in the ageing instrument had worsened in recent months, with cathedral staff warning it was on the verge of becoming unplayable. Engineers dismantled the organ over the winter and packed its components—including pipes, wind reservoirs, the console and electrics—into 60 crates for transport to specialist organ builders Harrison & Harrison.

The pipes are due to return in summer 2027, with the largest parts of the organ being restored in situ at the cathedral.

Timothy Parsons, Director of Music at Wells Cathedral has confirmed a temporary organ has now been installed to support services and events during the three-year repair period.

The current organ was last rebuilt in the 1970s, though its foundations date back to the 1850s. Records show that Wells Cathedral has had an organ since at least the early 14th century.

The project is being heavily backed by The Friends of Wells Cathedral, who are contributing two-thirds of the total cost.

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