Wells Cathedral has won a £577,562 National Lottery Heritage Fund grant for a project that will see parts of Vicars' Close open to the public for the first time.

Vicars' Close is believed to be the oldest continuously inhabited street in Europe, and the Cathedral's 'Vicars' Close: A Medieval Street Singing Through the Centuries' project aims conserve the unique architectural heritage of the Close, as well as opening up two of the houses of Vicars' Close as interpretation centres alongside creating public access to other hidden gems on the Close, such as the Vicars' Hall and Treasury Rooms.

The Close was built for the Cathedral Choir in 1348 and is still inhabited by the Cathedral Choir today. An unbroken archive of the Cathedral Choir exists from the Close's construction until 1936. This archive will be used to bring to life the social history of the inhabitants of Vicars' Close alongside the wonderful story of its musical heritage which has been integral to life on the Close and the Cathedral for over 600 years.

The project will also carry out essential work to the exteriors of the properties on the Close, conserving aging buildings to ensure they survive for future generations to experience and enjoy. Changing weather patterns are accelerating the deterioration of Vicars' Close, so the project provides an opportunity to address the climate crisis through factoring in ambitions to reach carbon net zero will be factored into conservation works.

This funding brings a number of other important benefits including funding initiatives to reach and engage with audiences who would not normally feel a sense of connection with Wells or Vicars' Close; supporting communities with specific needs such as help with mental health issues and social and rural isolation, particularly following the Covid pandemic. Delivering this exciting new visitor experience will also create wider range of opportunities for visitors to enjoy the rich history and heritage of Wells and support the local economy.

Dean of Wells, the Very Revd Dr John Davies said, "We are delighted to receive this support thanks to The National Lottery Heritage Fund and National Lottery players. 'Vicars' Close: A Medieval Street Singing Through the Centuries' project is a critical step to conserve, interpret, share, and make accessible this wonderful heritage asset. The project will create opportunities for our local and regional communities through skill building, education and employment that will work towards healing the effects of the Covid pandemic. The project will also create an innovative and exciting new experience for Wells, Somerset, and the South West to be proud of. It is delightful to know that we are a step closer to ensuring future generations will continue to be able to experience this wonderful place."

Wells Cathedral plans to apply for a full National Lottery grant at a later date.