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Wells Cathedral
Arriving at Wells Cathedral early there was someone asleep under a sign denoting the “penniless porch” where beggars used to ask for alms. He had gone by the time we came out.
We attended Morning prayer followed by the Eucharist. This confirmed my best tip for visiting cathedrals is to attend the early morning service and get a unique experience. There is something quite spiritual walking through an empty Cathedral with the sun streaming through the glass windows.
The service was taken by a retired Bishop as had the one at Exeter the day before. Retired clergy are said to be taking a sizeable number of services for the C of E. The dogs attended and their smug owners were again congratulated on their behaviour!
After the service we walked around. The Nave is spectacular with the famous 14th century scissor arches holding the tower up. They look brand new. It is all absolutely beautiful.
The second oldest Astronomical Clock in the country is found in the North Transept and every quarter it chimes, and jousting knights go round in tournament. Fun!
Wells is the smallest city in England and as we walked towards the cathedral with the water running through a channel at the side of the road it appeared to be one of the better off too. We met Colin after the service. He had managed to park the red van right outside the Cathedral after dropping us at a Parish Church which I mistook for the Cathedral. Bishop Trevor advised me that I am not the first to make that mistake!
Wells Cathedral is most famous for its West front which is said to have one of the largest galleries of medieval sculptures in the world. Unfortunately, it was covered in extensive scaffolding obscuring them confirming my belief in a common thread running through these visits of the need for constant upkeep. Ah well we will have to return!
The last soldier who served in World War 1 to die, Harry Patch is commemorated by a simple stone. Walking further along one comes to Vicars Close which is well worth a visit as it was completed in 1363, reputedly the oldest continuously inhabited street in Europe, built as lodgings for the Vicars of the Cathedral Choir.
