Our first view of Wells Cathedral was from the east, much larger than expected, like a monastic church in France:-
We had a guided tour of the west front, originally grandly polychromatic and constructed between 1215 and 1248 under the supervision of Adam Lock and Thomas Norreys:-
Inside is fine, squatter than many:-
There is good carving:-
We liked the amazing scissor beam arches designed in the mid-fourteenth century to support the tower:-
We enjoyed the transi tomb of Thomas Bekynton, the Bishop of Bath and Wells in the mid- fifteenth century with his skeleton below and Chantry Chapel above and metal railings to keep the public out:-
Graffiti on the tomb of Ralph of Shrewsbury:-
The door through to the Choir:-
The door into the Undercroft:-
We ended by trying to recreate – without success – the famous Frederick Evans photograph of the Chapter House steps:-
| Charles | Saumarez | Smith | 
The chapter house steps used to flow like a waterfall: they had been worn away over the centuries by the feet of the devout. But then they were straightened – the victims of health and safety, I assume. A great shame from an aesthetic point of view.
Still pretty good is terms of flowing shape. Charles
Yes, but it’s such a beautiful Cathedral that a slight imperfection like that cannot spoil the experience. Did you mange to get into the upper reaches ? It’s an excellent example of how wonderfully well our Cathedrals are being restored, with young stonemasons learning the old skills.
No, we tried (not very hard), but didn’t. Charles
Love Wells Cathedral. I think the inverted arches are referred to as scissor beam arches and are unique.
From the Heights (In Cathedral League Terms only!) of Lincoln i had always thought Wells to be more Aston Villa than Leicester City, but your reportage makes me definitely want to visit. There looks to be, as you say a ‘monastic ‘ quality which is very appealing. Many thanks.
We loved it – helped by beautiful weather and a brilliant guide. Charles