The sun was setting with a lovely glow on the Cathedral as we left Evensong and stepped outside.
Wells lies sheltered beneath the southern slopes of the Mendip Hills, and combines a wealth of historic interest and beautiful architecture. Wells qualifies as England’s smallest, and Somerset’s only city.
Probably the finest national example of early English architecture, Wells Cathedral was largely built between the 12th and 14th centuries. The Cathedral is famed for its magnificent West Front, featuring over 300 statues and carvings; the inverted scissor arches of the nave, and one of the oldest working mechanical clocks.
We left the cathedral on this road to find our inn for the night. We didn’t leave Wells until later on Tuesday September 17th after we visited the Bishop’s Palace and the Vicar’s Close. I still have many posts from our time in England.
Oh boy, here in the Seattle area we are still in a foggy pattern. We were waiting for the sun to break through and dry up the lawn but that was not to happen yet so I had to mow the foggy dewy lawn today to match up with the yard waste removal tomorrow. It actually felt good to get some exercise after sitting all weekend. I’ve got a dental appointment and a fun trip to Canada planned this week with our daughter Katie. What’s on your to do list this week?
The Happy Wonderer ~ ellen b. 
I can well imagine that the builders thought: Let Nothing Perish (Nequid Pereat). Such incredible architrcture! I noticed that there seems to be a prominent statue missing and so I wonder if it toppled or was removed because it was compromised. Hope that it’s not broken!
LOL! Some days I can spell architecture!
Ha! I didn’t even notice till you pointed it out…
Ellen – these photos are “brilliant” as they say! Just beautiful!
What a massive Cathedral! I am in awe of how the workmen from that period could construct such huge buildings with what we now see as limited tools. I gained a small sense of understanding and a great measure of awe when I read “The Heaven Tree Trilogy” that Edith Pargenter wrote about two young Stone Masons in the 12th century. It was an amazing read and when I see buildings like this, it always brings me back to that story.
Thank you Ellen for the detailed views.
Absolutely gorgeous! Do you know whom the statues are? I mean, were they fashioned after real people, or are they fictional?
We have a dental appointment too, for the little one, to which she is not looking forward. We might have Smithsonian visit later this week.
This is “makes me wanna cry” beautiful!!!!!!! Who wouldn’t want to go to church on Sunday morning with a church like this??!?!?!!! Gorgeous! The details are simply magnificent!!!
That architecture is just breath taking. I can’t even imagine what it would be like to be right there.
Oh Ellen, these photos are worthy of Nat’l Geographic magazine! I almost felt like I was there. Thank you for sharing these. laurie