Synergy News & Blog: News
Saving a Medieval Marvel: Latest on the Project at Vicars’ Close
Following a successful grant The National Lottery Heritage Fund the phased works to protect and celebrate Vicars’ Close at Wells Cathedral are well underway.
Vicars’ Close, constructed in the mid-14th century, is recognised as Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited and intact medieval street. Built over 650 years ago to provide housing for the Vicars Choral of Wells Cathedral, it still serves that function today, accommodating their present-day successors.
It’s exceptional preservation makes it an internationally important heritage site, however, the pressing need for urgent repair and conservation works put the Close at risk of being added to Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register.
Phase 1 Complete
We’re pleased to report that Phase 1 of the refurbishment project has been successfully completed.
This phase focused on No. 16, a boarding house for pupils of Wells Cathedral School, with all works carried out during the summer holidays to avoid disruption during term time.
Scaffolding was installed during the final weekend of term, allowing the external render to be removed and the roof stripped promptly. Over the summer break, repairs to the roof structure were completed, insulation was installed in the roof space, and external stone repairs were undertaken at high level. A new external render was applied to the rear and side elevations of the property. The building also received a brand-new slate roof, including new lead parapet gutters. In addition, the team secured the ceilings to the second-floor bedrooms, ensuring the building’s long-term stability.
We are pleased to confirm that the project was completed on time and within the contract sum.
Looking Ahead – Phase 2
Next, attention will turn to the remaining properties of Vicars’ Close: Nos. 12 and 22, as well as No. 27, the Vicars’ Chapel and Vicars’ Hall. These buildings will be transformed into interpretation spaces following a programme of internal and external works, alongside new landscaping. By opening up these historic spaces to the public, the visitor experience will connect people with over 800 years’ of untold stories about the close.
The remaining properties will also receive essential roof, wall, window, and guttering repairs. All repair, interpretation, and landscaping works are scheduled to begin early next year, with completion expected in autumn 2027.
