Grant awarded to conserve medieval street

Members of Wells Cathedral’s Vicars’ Choral have been housed in the medieval street for generations and still live there today

Wells Cathedral has received £4.4 million towards its campaign to help save Vicars' Close.

The National Lottery Heritage Fund granted the money which will contribute towards critical conservation works on the medieval street.

With a target of £7 million, as well as preservation works, the project also hopes to introduce a new visitor experience which will see four of the buildings on the street open to the public for the very first time.

Dean of Wells, Toby Wright, said they are "hugely grateful" to the National Lottery Heritage Fund and its players for the grant.

The Dean of Wells said the street has been there since 1348 and has been key to the life of Wells, the cathedral and its music

The Dean describes the National Lottery Heritage Fund application as a "very rigorous process" but said it was worth it and the grant is "absolutely wonderful".

The project has also received a further £1 million from other trusts who have supported the cause "very generously".

The Grade I listed buildings on Vicars' Close are said to need "urgent repairs" consisting of re-roofing, new insulation, drainage improvements, wall conservation, and exterior joinery repairs.

The Dean of Wells described the street as an "extraordinary place" and hopes the project money will also help to cover the costs of interactive and creative displays the cathedral plans to install to "draw people into the story of Wells".

'International heritage'

Although some of the houses have been open for temporary exhibitions and events in the past, the funds will mean that for the first time some of the buildings will remain permanently open for the public to see.

The Dean said the medieval street is not just part of the city's local heritage but it also plays a "big role" internationally.

He said those involved in the project are also "really keen" to teach heritage skills and work alongside 13-24 year-olds in the area - especially those living in deprivation - to help more young people into employment.

Chief executive of the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Eilish McGuinness, said: "Thanks to money raised by National Lottery players, this project which will enable vital steps towards securing a brighter and more sustainable future for Vicars’ Close and enable new audiences to enjoy this remarkable survival and explore the heritage it holds."

The project needs to raise a further £1.6 million to reach its target.