Vicars' Close

Vicars' Close is a narrow lane with 27 stone houses built close together, creating a visual effect where the street appears to narrow as you look down it. The buildings feature old chimneys and traditional windows that define the appearance of a medieval residential street.

The street was built in 1348 by Bishop Ralph of Shrewsbury to house the singers who performed daily in the cathedral. Since then, the layout has barely changed and the houses still stand in their original locations.

The residents are members of the Vicars Choral, a singing group that continues to perform cathedral music as they have for centuries. This connection to the church shapes daily life on the street and keeps an old musical tradition alive.

The street is freely accessible year-round and can be explored on foot at a leisurely pace without time constraints. The nearby Chain Gate Bridge provides easy access to the cathedral, making it simple to visit both locations during one trip.

The street is considered the oldest continuously inhabited residential street in Europe with medieval buildings that have kept their original form since construction. This makes it a rare example of how a medieval residential community still exists and functions today.

Location: Wells

GPS coordinates: 51.21150,-2.64370

Latest update: December 20, 2025 14:39