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{{short description|Cathedral city in Somerset, England}} {{redirect|Wells, England|the town in Norfolk|Wells-next-the-Sea}} {{Good article}} {{Use British English|date=January 2012}} {{Use dmy dates|date=October 2020}} {{Infobox UK place | static_image_name = Aerial view of Wells.jpg | static_image_caption = Aerial photograph of Wells | country = England | coordinates = {{coord|51|12|34|N|02|38|42|W|display=inline,title}} | official_name = Wells | population = 12,000 | population_ref = (2018)<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/property/buy/city-has-history-culture-population-just-12000/ |title=The city that has it all: history, culture β and a population of just 12,000 |newspaper=The Telegraph |date=12 November 2018 |access-date=3 July 2019 |last1=Norwood |first1=Graham |archive-date=12 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181112074940/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/property/buy/city-has-history-culture-population-just-12000/ |url-status=live}}</ref> | civil_parish = Wells | unitary_england = [[Somerset Council]] | lieutenancy_england = [[Somerset]] | region = South West England | constituency_westminster = [[Wells and Mendip Hills (UK Parliament constituency)|Wells and Mendip Hills]] | post_town = WELLS | postcode_area = BA | postcode_district = BA5 | dial_code = 01749 | os_grid_reference = ST545455 }} '''Wells''' ({{IPAc-en|w|Ι|l|z}})<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/wells?showCookiePolicy=true |title=Wells |access-date=24 September 2014 |publisher=Collins Dictionary |date=n.d. |archive-date=8 February 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150208114227/http://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/wells?showCookiePolicy=true |url-status=live}}</ref> is a [[City status in the United Kingdom|cathedral city]] and [[civil parishes in England|civil parish]] in [[Somerset]], located on the southern edge of the [[Mendip Hills]], {{convert|21|mi|km|0}} south-east of [[Weston-super-Mare]], {{cvt|22|mi|km|0}} south-west of [[Bath, Somerset|Bath]] and {{cvt|23|mi|km|0}} south of [[Bristol]]. Although the population recorded in the 2011 census was only 10,536,<ref name="popn">{{cite web |title=Wells CP β Usual Resident Population, 2011 |url=http://neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk/dissemination/LeadTableView.do?a=7&b=11130266&c=Wells&d=16&e=62&g=6461445&i=1001x1003x1032x1004&o=362&m=0&r=1&s=1419423547127&enc=1&dsFamilyId=2473 |work=Neighbourhood Statistics |publisher=Office for National Statistics |access-date=24 December 2014 |archive-date=26 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181226072839/https://www.ons.gov.uk/help/localstatistics |url-status=live}}</ref> (increased to 12,000 by 2018) and with a built-up area of just {{convert|3.244|km2|abbr=on}},<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.citypopulation.de/php/uk-england-southwestengland.php?cityid=E35000359 |title=Wells, Somerset, Built-up Area |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=2016 |website=City Population |access-date=4 January 2017 |archive-date=5 January 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170105090030/https://www.citypopulation.de/php/uk-england-southwestengland.php?cityid=E35000359 |url-status=live}}</ref> Wells has had city status since medieval times, because of the presence of [[Wells Cathedral]]. Often described as England's [[list of smallest cities in the United Kingdom|smallest city]],<ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=6cBuHueeTCMC&pg=PA339 |title=Great Britain (Lonely Planet Country Guides) |first=David |last=Else |pages=339 |year=2009 |publisher=Lonely Planet |isbn=978-1-74104-491-1 |access-date=14 October 2011 |archive-date=30 December 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161230012617/https://books.google.com/books?id=6cBuHueeTCMC&pg=PA339 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wells.gov.uk/ |title=Wells City Council |work=wells.gov.uk |year=2011 |quote=Wells is England's smallest city |access-date=14 October 2011 |archive-date=23 October 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111023183614/http://www.wells.gov.uk/ |url-status=live}}</ref> it is actually the second smallest to the [[City of London]] in area and population, but unlike London it is not part of a larger [[urban agglomeration]]. Wells takes its name from three [[Holy well|wells]] dedicated to [[Andrew the Apostle|Saint Andrew]], one in the market place and two within the grounds of the [[Bishop's Palace, Wells|Bishop's Palace]] and cathedral.<ref>{{NHLE |num=1382877 |desc=The Well House |access-date=24 August 2006}}</ref> A small [[Ancient Rome|Roman]] settlement surrounded them, which grew in importance and size under the [[Anglo-Saxons]] when King [[Ine of Wessex]] founded a [[Minster (church)|minster]] church there in 704. The community became a trading centre based on cloth making and Wells is notable for its 17th-century involvement in both the [[English Civil War]] and the [[Monmouth Rebellion]]. In the 19th century, transport infrastructure improved with stations on three different railway lines. However, [[Beeching axe|since 1964]] the city has been without a railway link. The cathedral and the associated religious and medieval architectural history provide much of the employment. The city has a variety of sporting and cultural activities and houses several schools including [[The Blue School, Wells|The Blue School]], a state [[coeducational]] [[comprehensive school]] that was founded in 1641, and the [[Private schools in the United Kingdom|private]] [[Wells Cathedral School]], which was founded possibly as early as 909 and is one of the five established musical schools for school-age children in the United Kingdom. Wells's historic architecture has led to the city being used as a shooting location for numerous films and television programmes.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.crownatwells.co.uk/film-and-television-in-wells.html |title=Film and Television in Wells |author=Black Dog of Wells<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=2016 |website=The Crown at Wells, C1450 |publisher=The Crown at Wells and Anton's Bistrot |access-date=4 January 2017 |archive-date=13 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180913150431/http://www.crownatwells.co.uk/film-and-television-in-wells.html |url-status=dead}}</ref> ==History== [[File:The Wells, Bishop's Palace Gardens - Wells - geograph.org.uk - 986021.jpg|alt=Pool of water in an area of trees and shrubs. In the background is the cathedral.|thumb|right|One of the three wells which give the city its name; two are located in the gardens of the Bishop's Palace (as shown) and one in the Market Place.]] The city was a [[Roman Britain|Roman]] settlement that became an important centre under the Anglo-Saxons when [[Ine of Wessex|King Ine]] of [[Wessex]] founded a minster church in 704.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.britannia.com/history/somerset/churches/wellscath.html |title=Wells Cathedral |publisher=Britania.com |access-date=23 January 2010 |archive-date=4 July 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130704151157/http://www.britannia.com/history/somerset/churches/wellscath.html |url-status=live}}</ref> Two hundred years later, in 909, it became the seat of the newly formed [[Bishop of Bath and Wells|bishopric of Wells]]; but in 1090, the bishop's seat was removed to [[Bath, Somerset|Bath]]. The move caused severe arguments between the canons of Wells and the monks of Bath until 1245 when the bishopric was renamed the [[Diocese of Bath and Wells]], to be elected by both religious houses. With the construction of the [[Wells Cathedral|current cathedral]] and the [[Bishop's Palace, Wells|bishop's palace]] in the first half of the 13th century, under the direction of [[Reginald Fitz Jocelin|Bishop Reginald]] and later [[Jocelin of Wells|Bishop Jocelin]], a native of the city, Wells became the principal seat of the diocese. The 8th-century port at [[Bleadney]] on the [[River Axe (Bristol Channel)|River Axe]] enabled goods to be brought to within {{cvt|3|mi|km|0}} of Wells. In the [[Middle Ages]] overseas trade was carried out from the port of [[Rackley]]. In the 14th century a French ship sailed up the river, and by 1388 Thomas Tanner from Wells used Rackley to export cloth and [[Cereal|corn]] to Portugal, and received iron and [[Edible salt|salt]] in exchange.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Toulson |first=Shirley |title=The Mendip Hills: A Threatened Landscape |year=1984 |publisher=Victor Gollancz |location=London |isbn=0-575-03453-X}}</ref> Wells had been a centre for cloth making; however, in the 16th and 17th centuries this diminished, but the city retained its important market focus.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.somersetheritage.org.uk/record/24810 |title=Medieval town, Wells |work=Somerset Historic Environment Record |publisher=Somerset County Council |access-date=4 February 2010 |archive-date=3 October 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161003115929/http://www.somersetheritage.org.uk/record/24810 |url-status=live}}</ref> Wells in the 19th century had the largest cheese market in the west of England.<ref name="gathercole"/> Wells was listed in the [[Domesday Book]] of 1086 as ''Welle'', from the [[Old English]] {{lang|ang|wiells}},<ref>{{Cite book |last=Robinson |first=Stephen |title=Somerset Place Names |year=1992 |publisher=The Dovecote Press Ltd |location=Wimbourne |isbn=978-1-874336-03-7}}</ref> not as a town but as four manors with a population of 132, which implies a population of 500β600.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Havinden |first=Michael |title=The Somerset Landscape |year=1982 |publisher=[[Hodder & Stoughton]] |location=London |series=The making of the English landscape |pages=210 |isbn=0-340-20116-9}}</ref> Earlier names for the settlement have been identified which include ''Fontanetum'',<ref name="latin">{{Cite web |url=http://comp.uark.edu/~mreynold/recint2.htm#F |title=A List of the Latin Names of Places in Great Britain and Ireland |publisher=White Trash Scriptorium |access-date=4 February 2010 |archive-date=5 February 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100205071944/http://comp.uark.edu/~mreynold/recint2.htm#F |url-status=dead}}</ref> in a charter of 725 granted by King Ina to [[Glastonbury]] and {{lang|la|Fontanensis Ecclesia}}.<ref name="latin"/> "''Tidesput''" or "''Tithesput furlang''" relates to the area east of the bishop's garden in 1245.<ref>{{Cite book |title=Wells Cathedral |last=Reid |first=R.D. |year=1963 |publisher=Friends of Wells Cathedral |isbn=0-902321-11-0 |pages=10}}</ref> Wells was part of, and gave its name to, the [[hundred (county division)|hundred]] of [[Wells Forum]]. Wells had been granted charters to hold markets by [[Robert of Bath|Bishop Robert]] (1136β66) and free [[burgage]] tenure was granted by [[Reginald Fitz Jocelin|Bishop Reginald]] (1174β1191).<ref name="gathercole">{{Cite web |url=http://www1.somerset.gov.uk/archives/hes/downloads/Somerset_EUS_Wells.pdf |title=An archaeological assessment of Wells |last=Gathercole |first=Clare |work=English Heritage Extensive Urban Survey |publisher=Somerset County Council |access-date=4 February 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140429222843/http://www1.somerset.gov.uk/archives/hes/downloads/Somerset_EUS_Wells.pdf |archive-date=29 April 2014}}</ref> Wells was recognised as a free [[borough status in the United Kingdom|borough]] by a Royal charter of [[John of England|King John]] in 1201. The city remained under episcopal control until its charter of incorporation from Queen [[Elizabeth I]] in 1589.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Havinden |first=Michael |title=The Somerset Landscape |publisher=Hodder & Stoughton |location=London |series=The making of the English landscape |pages=114 |isbn=0-340-20116-9 |year=1981}}</ref><ref>[http://www.wells.gov.uk/index.php?page=the-council Wells City Council] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150101105021/http://www.wells.gov.uk/index.php?page=the-council |date=1 January 2015 }} The Council</ref> City status was most recently confirmed by Queen [[Elizabeth II]] by [[letters patent]] issued under the [[Great Seal of the Realm|Great Seal]] dated 1 April 1974, which granted [[city status in the United Kingdom|city status]] specifically to the [[civil parishes in England|civil parish]];<ref name="lg0474">London Gazette, issue no. 46255, 4 April 1974</ref><ref name="curio">{{Cite book |title=Curiosities of Somerset |last=Leete-Hodge |first=Lornie |year=1985 |publisher=Bossiney Books |location=Bodmin |isbn=0-906456-98-3 |pages=29}}</ref> on that date major local government reorganisation came into effect, which involved the abolition of the [[municipal borough]] of Wells.<ref>[http://www.visionofbritain.org.uk/unit/10220592/relationships Vision of Britain] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131213185257/http://www.visionofbritain.org.uk/unit/10220592/relationships |date=13 December 2013 }} Wells MB</ref> [[Anne of Denmark]], the wife of [[James VI and I|King James]] came to Wells on 20 August 1613. She was entertained by a pageant performed by the town's trades and crafts. The blacksmiths presented Vulcan's forge. The butchers made a tableau of "old virgins", with their attires made of cow tails and necklaces made of cow's horns, who were drawn in a chariot by men and boys dressed in ox skins. The mayor, William Bull, held a dinner for members of the queen's household including her four maids of honour.<ref>John Nichols, ''Progresses of James the First'', vol. 2 (London, 1828), pp. 672-5.</ref> The Venetian ambassador [[Antonio Foscarini]] recorded her delight.<ref>Allen Hinds, ''Calendar State Papers, Venice: 1613-1615'', vol. 13 (London, 1907), pp. 36-7 no. 70.</ref> During the [[English Civil War]] (1642β1651), at what became known as the "[[Siege of Wells]]", the city found itself surrounded by Parliamentarian guns on the Bristol, Glastonbury and Shepton Mallet sides. Col. [[William Strode (of Barrington)|William Strode]] had 2,000 men and 150 horse. The Royalists evacuated the city. Parliamentarian troops then used the cathedral to stable their horses and damaged much of the ornate sculpture by using it for firing practice.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.wellscathedral.org.uk/history/presentbuilding/changesofmonarch.shtml |title=Changes of Monarch |work=History |publisher=Wells Cathedral |access-date=15 March 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090311034401/http://www.wellscathedral.org.uk/history/presentbuilding/changesofmonarch.shtml |archive-date=11 March 2009 |url-status=dead}}</ref> [[William Penn]] stayed in Wells shortly before leaving for America (1682), spending a night at The Crown Inn. Here he was briefly arrested for addressing a large crowd in the market place, but released on the intervention of the Bishop of Bath and Wells.<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://archive.org/details/memoirsprivatea00penngoog |quote=william penn wells. |title=Memoirs of the Private and Public Life of William Penn |pages=[https://archive.org/details/memoirsprivatea00penngoog/page/n65 57] |year=1827 |last=Clarkson |first=Thomas |publisher=S.C. Stevens |access-date=28 November 2009}}</ref> During the [[Monmouth Rebellion]] (1685) the rebel army attacked the cathedral in an outburst against the [[state religion|established church]] and damaged the west front. Lead from the roof was used to make bullets, windows were broken, the organ smashed and horses stabled in the nave.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.somerset.gov.uk/archives/ASH/Monmouthreb.htm |title=The Monmouth Rebellion and the Bloody Assize |work=Aspects of Somerset History |publisher=Somerset Archive & Record Service |access-date=1 March 2009 |archive-date=29 August 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070829142340/http://www.somerset.gov.uk/archives/ASH/Monmouthreb.htm |url-status=live}}</ref> Wells was the final location of the [[Bloody Assizes]] on 23 September 1685. In a makeshift court lasting only one day, over 500 men were tried and the majority sentenced to death.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Bloody Assize |work=Somerset Archive & Record Service |url=http://www.somerset.gov.uk/archives/ASH/Bloodyassize.htm |access-date=9 October 2007 |archive-date=30 September 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930183526/http://www.somerset.gov.uk/archives/ASH/Bloodyassize.htm |url-status=live}}</ref> [[File:Vicars Close Wells Somerset.jpg|alt=Street scene. Terraces of old red brick houses on either side of the road. At the far end is a building with arches and small tower. Beyond can be seen the cathedral tower.|thumb|right|[[Vicars' Close, Wells|Vicars' Close]] facing the cathedral]] Wells first station, [[Wells (Priory Road) railway station|Priory Road]], opened in 1859 on the Somerset Central Railway (later the [[Somerset & Dorset Joint Railway]], S&DJR) as the terminus of a short branch from [[Glastonbury & Street railway station|Glastonbury]].<ref name="sdjrwells">{{Cite web |url=http://www.sdjr.net/locations/wells.html |title=Wells |publisher=Somerset & Dorset Joint Railway |access-date=4 February 2010 |archive-date=7 January 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090107021240/http://www.sdjr.net/locations/wells.html |url-status=usurped}}</ref> A second railway, the [[East Somerset Railway|East Somerset]], opened a branch line from [[Witham (Somerset) railway station|Witham]] in 1862 and built [[Wells East Somerset railway station|Wells East Somerset station]] to the east of Priory Road.<ref name="sdjrwells"/> In 1870, the [[Cheddar Valley line]] branch of the [[Bristol & Exeter Railway]] from [[Yatton railway station|Yatton]], reached Wells and built a third station at [[Wells (Tucker Street) railway station|Tucker Street]].<ref>{{Cite book |last=Oakley |first=Mike |title=Somerset Railway Stations |publisher=Dovecote Press |location=Wimborne |year=2002 |pages=126}}</ref> Matters were simplified when the [[Great Western Railway]] acquired the Cheddar Valley and the East Somerset lines and built a link between them that ran through the S&DJR's Priory Road station. In 1878, when through trains began running between Yatton and Witham, the East Somerset station closed, but through trains did not stop at Priory Road until 1934. Priory Road closed to passenger traffic in 1951 when the S&DJR branch line from Glastonbury was shut, though it remained the city's main goods depot. Tucker Street closed in 1963 under the [[Beeching cuts]], which closed the Yatton to Witham line to passengers. Goods traffic to Wells ceased in 1964. [[SR West Country and Battle of Britain classes|Southern Railway West Country class]] steam locomotive no 34092 was named ''City of Wells'' at a ceremony at Priory Road station in 1949. It was used to haul the ''[[Golden Arrow (train)|Golden Arrow]]'' service between [[London Victoria railway station|London]] and [[Dover Western Docks railway station|Dover]]. It was withdrawn from service in 1964, and rescued from a scrapyard in 1971, and as August 2021 was operational on the [[East Lancashire Railway]].<ref>[https://www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk/about-us/meet-the-locomotives/ Meet the Locomotives] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210807061241/https://www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk/about-us/meet-the-locomotives/ |date=7 August 2021 }} [[East Lancashire Railway]]</ref> During [[World War II]], Stoberry Park in Wells was the location of a [[prisoner-of-war camp]], housing Italian prisoners from the [[Western Desert Campaign]], and later German prisoners after the [[Operation Cobra|Battle of Normandy]]. Penleigh Camp on the [[Wookey Hole]] Road was a German working camp.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/upload/pdf/Prisoner_of_War_Camps.pdf |title=Prisoner of War Camps(1939β1948) |last=Thomas |first=Roger JC |publisher=[[English Heritage]] |access-date=4 February 2010 |archive-date=29 September 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090929073436/http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/upload/pdf/Prisoner_of_War_Camps.pdf |url-status=live}}</ref> ==Governance== [[File:Wells, Somerset, 24 June 2013.jpg|alt=Street scene with shops on either side of the street. In the centre stands an old stone monument. In the background are an old stone gatehouse and behind it the towers of the cathedral.|thumb|left|The Market Place is the site of one of the city's ancient wells (note the water flowing in the gully, down High Street); the [[The Bishop's Eye, Wells|Bishop's Eye]] gatehouse (to the Bishop's Palace) is at the far end; two of Wells Cathedral's towers can be seen rising behind the buildings.]] Wells City Council is a [[parish councils in England|parish council]], with a membership of sixteen councillors, elected from three [[Wards and electoral divisions of the United Kingdom|parish wards]]. They are (with the number of parish councillors each elects, in brackets): Central (four), St. Thomas' (six) and St. Cuthbert's (six).<ref>[http://www.wells.gov.uk/index.php?page=members Wells City Council] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141220195446/http://www.wells.gov.uk/index.php?page=members |date=20 December 2014 }} Members</ref><ref name="citycouncil">{{Cite web |work=Wells City Council |title=City of Wells |url=http://www.wells.gov.uk/|access-date=21 September 2007|archive-date=29 September 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070929101003/http://www.wells.gov.uk/|url-status=live}}</ref> The [[Civil parishes in England|civil parish]] of Wells was formed in 1933<ref>[http://www.visionofbritain.org.uk/unit/10445530/relationships Vision of Britain] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150106011750/http://www.visionofbritain.org.uk/unit/10445530/relationships |date=6 January 2015 }} Wells CP</ref> upon the merger of [[Wells St Cuthbert In]] and [[Wells St Andrew]] (the latter being the historic liberty of the cathedral, the bishop's palace, etc., amounting to just {{cvt|52|acre|ha}}).<ref>[http://www.visionofbritain.org.uk/unit/10445541/relationships Vision of Britain] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150106012128/http://www.visionofbritain.org.uk/unit/10445541/relationships |date=6 January 2015 }} Wells St Andrew CP</ref> Wells is the [[successor parish]] for Wells Municipal Borough, which existed from the creation of [[municipal borough]]s in 1835 to their abolition in 1974.<ref name=wellsrd>{{cite web |title=Wells RD |url=http://www.visionofbritain.org.uk/unit/10061581 |work=A vision of Britain Through Time |publisher=University of Portsmouth |access-date=4 January 2014 |archive-date=5 January 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140105024500/http://www.visionofbritain.org.uk/unit/10061581 |url-status=live}}</ref> The parish has held the [[city status in the United Kingdom|city status]] of Wells since 1 April 1974<ref name="lg0474"/> (previously held by the municipal borough) and the member of the City Council who chairs the council holds the historic office of Mayor of Wells, typically for one year. The current mayor (for the 2024-25 municipal year) is Councillor Jasmine Browne, who is the 650th Mayor of Wells. She assumed office on 18th May 2024.<ref>[1] Archived 13 October 2020 at the [[Wayback Machine]] the [https://web.archive.org/web/20201013185218/https://www.wells.gov.uk/index.php?mact=News%2Ccntnt01%2Cdetail%2C0&cntnt01articleid=1648&cntnt01origid=15&cntnt01returnid=97 Mayor of Wells]</ref> Another historic position is that of the [[Town Crier]].<ref>[http://www.wells.gov.uk/index.php?page=town-crier Wells City Council] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141220195711/http://www.wells.gov.uk/index.php?page=town-crier |date=20 December 2014 }} Town Crier</ref> The City Council has responsibility for local issues, including setting an annual precept (local rate) to cover the council's operating costs and producing annual accounts for public scrutiny. They also evaluate local planning applications and work with the local police, district council officers, and [[Neighbourhood Watch (UK)|neighbourhood watch]] groups on matters of crime, security, and traffic. This includes city centre management including [[CCTV]], an alcohol ban and regulating street trading permissions including the two funfairs held in the Market Place in May and November each year and the Wells in Bloom competition.<ref name="citycouncil" /> The city council's role also includes initiating projects for the maintenance and repair of city facilities, as well as consulting with the district council on the maintenance, repair, and improvement of highways, drainage, footpaths, public transport, and street cleaning. They are involved in the management of the Community Sports Development Centre at the Blue School, the [[Skateboarding|skateboard]] park and [[Allotment (gardening)#United Kingdom|allotments]] in the grounds of the Bishop's Palace, Burcott Road and Barnes Close. Conservation matters (including trees and listed buildings) and environmental issues are also the responsibility of the council.<ref name="citycouncil" /> [[File:Wells Town Hall 01.jpg|alt=Symmetrical two-storey building in classical style with nine bays.|thumb|[[Wells Town Hall]]]] [[Wells Town Hall]] was built in 1778, with the porch and arcade being added in 1861 and the balcony and round windows in 1932. It is a Grade II [[listed building]].<ref name="ioetownhall" /> It replaced the former on the site of the Market and Assize Hall in the Market Place,<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.wells.gov.uk/services/townhall.php |title=The Town Hall |publisher=Wells City Council |access-date=2 March 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090713052101/http://www.wells.gov.uk/services/townhall.php |archive-date=13 July 2009}}</ref> and a Canonical House also known as 'The Exchequer', on the authority of an Act of Parliament dated 1779. The building also houses the magistrates courts and other offices. The [[Assize court]] last sat here in October 1970.<ref name="ioetownhall">{{NHLE |num=1334708 |desc=Town Hall |access-date=2 March 2009}}</ref> All other local government services are provided by [[Somerset Council]], a [[unitary authority]] established in April 2023. Prior to this date, Wells elected five councillors to [[Mendip District|Mendip District Council]] from the same three wards as are used for the City Council (two were returned from St Cuthbert's, two from St Thomas' and one from Central).<ref>[http://www.mendip.gov.uk/CHttpHandler.ashx?id=7704&p=0 Mendip District Council] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141220194643/http://www.mendip.gov.uk/CHttpHandler.ashx?id=7704&p=0 |date=20 December 2014 }} Election results summary (2011)</ref> Wells is an electoral division (with the same boundaries as the civil parish) of Somerset and returns two councillor to Somerset Council, but returned one to its predecessor [[Somerset County Council]].<ref>[http://www1.somerset.gov.uk/council/divisions.asp Somerset County Council] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100616002346/http://www1.somerset.gov.uk/council/divisions.asp |date=16 June 2010 }} Councillors by Division</ref> Wells is part of the [[Wells and Mendip Hills (UK Parliament constituency)|Wells and Mendip Hills]] constituency. The Wells city arms show an [[Fraxinus|ash tree]] surrounded by three [[water well]]s, crested with a gold [[mural crown]], with the [[Latin]] motto ''Hoc fonte derivata copia'' (translated: "the fullness that springs from this well").<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.civicheraldry.co.uk/cornwall_wessex.html |title=Cornwall and Wessex Area |publisher=Civic Heraldry of England and Wales |access-date=20 December 2014 |archive-date=20 November 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161120205725/http://civicheraldry.co.uk/cornwall_wessex.html |url-status=dead}}</ref> The council formalised [[Sister city|twinning]] links with [[Paray-le-Monial]], France, and [[Bad DΓΌrkheim]], Germany in 1979, then added [[Fontanellato]], Italy in 1983; the Wells Twinning Association and the Mayor of Wells organise the twinning activities.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wells.gov.uk/index.php?page=twinning |title=Wells Twinning Association β Wells City Council serving Englands smallest Cathedral City |access-date=23 December 2014 |archive-date=20 December 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141220220518/http://www.wells.gov.uk/index.php?page=twinning |url-status=live}}</ref> {{HMS|Somerset|F82|6}}, [[Mary Rand|Mary Bignal-Rand]], [[Danny Nightingale]], [[The Rifles]] and the late [[Harry Patch]] have the [[Freedom of the City]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/surface-fleet/type-23-frigates/hms-somerset/city-of-wells/174963 |title=City of Wells |publisher=Royal Navy (crown Copyright) |access-date=28 November 2009 |archive-date=7 December 2009 |archive-url=http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20091207052931/http%3A//www.royalnavy.mod.uk/surface%2Dfleet/type%2D23%2Dfrigates/hms%2Dsomerset/city%2Dof%2Dwells/174963 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.wells.gov.uk/pdfs/CNCLMINS-14feb07.pdf |title=Minutes of the City Council |date=14 February 2007 |publisher=Wells City Council |access-date=3 March 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090320143409/http://www.wells.gov.uk/pdfs/CNCLMINS-14feb07.pdf |archive-date=20 March 2009}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/HistoryAndHonour/FreedomOfWellsForBritainsOldestSoldier.htm |title=Freedom of Wells for Britain's oldest soldier |date=11 July 2008 |work=Defence News |publisher=Ministry of Defence |access-date=3 March 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090807051900/http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/HistoryAndHonour/FreedomOfWellsForBritainsOldestSoldier.htm |archive-date=7 August 2009}}</ref> The [[Somerset Light Infantry]] received the freedom of the City of Wells following their return from [[Cyprus]] in 1956.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Somerset & Cornwall Light Infantry |url=http://www.britisharmedforces.org/li_pages/regiments/scli/scli_civichonours.htm |publisher=British Light Infantry Regiments |access-date=1 February 2016 }}{{Dead link|date=October 2022 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> ==City status== [[File:Wells-parish-map.jpg|thumb|right|Map of Wells showing city/parish border, and urban area. {{legend|orange|City/parish border|outline=#606060}} {{legend|#F2EFE9|Countryside|outline=#606060}} {{legend|#E0DFDF|Urban area|outline=#606060}}]] {{see also|List of smallest cities in the United Kingdom}} As the seat of an ancient cathedral and [[diocese]], Wells is historically regarded as a city.<ref>{{cite web |title=Charter of Incorporation |url=https://bishopspalace.org.uk/uploads/Elizabeth%201%20Charter%20Extract%20WEB.pdf |access-date=18 January 2019 |archive-date=19 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190119121304/https://bishopspalace.org.uk/uploads/Elizabeth%201%20Charter%20Extract%20WEB.pdf |url-status=live}}</ref> City status was most recently confirmed by Queen Elizabeth II by letters patent dated 1 April 1974, which granted city status specifically to the civil parish.<ref name="lg0474"/> As the designation is typically awarded to a local council area,<ref>{{cite web |title=DIAMOND JUBILEE CIVIC HONOURS COMPETITIONS - ENTRY GUIDELINES |url=https://committeeadmin.lancaster.gov.uk/documents/s22818/Civic-Honours-Entry-Guidelines.pdf%2030122010%20Management%20Team.pdf |quote=Her Majesty The Queen has agreed that competitions may be held for a grant of city status and a grant of Lord Mayoralty (called a Lord Provostship in Scotland) to mark Her Diamond Jubilee in 2012. <br><br> 1. Any local authority (district, borough, parish/town/community or unitary council) in any part of the United Kingdom which considers that its area deserves to be granted the rare honour of city status on this very special occasion is welcome to enter the competition.... <br><br> 3. Applications may only be made by an elected local authority β normally, in respect of the entire local authority area. |access-date=18 January 2019 |archive-date=22 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210822084747/https://committeeadmin.lancaster.gov.uk/documents/s22818/Civic-Honours-Entry-Guidelines.pdf%2030122010%20Management%20Team.pdf |url-status=live}}</ref> this administrative area is then considered to be the formal boundary of the city, including its urban and rural extents. Wells, due to its [[urban area]] and wider parish sizes, is near-smallest city on several measures based on 2011 statistics:<ref>{{cite web |title=ONS Geography Linked Data - Browse Data |url=http://statistics.data.gov.uk/ |website=statistics.data.gov.uk |access-date=18 January 2019 |archive-date=27 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190127172821/http://statistics.data.gov.uk/ |url-status=live}}</ref> *Its city council boundary area, surrounded wholly by countryside makes Wells the smallest free-standing city in the UK (2.11 sq mi)<ref name="wells-area">{{cite web |title=ONS Geography Linked Data - Wells parish |url=http://statistics.data.gov.uk/doc/statistical-geography/E04008595 |website=statistics.data.gov.uk |quote=Area (Extent of the realm hectarage) 547.17 |access-date=18 January 2019 |archive-date=10 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211110230604/http://statistics.data.gov.uk/atlas/resource?uri=http%3A%2F%2Fstatistics.data.gov.uk%2Fid%2Fstatistical-geography%2FE04008595&inactive=false |url-status=live}}</ref> - the [[City of London]] is smaller (1.12)<ref>{{cite web |title=ONS Geography Linked Data - City of London |url=http://statistics.data.gov.uk/doc/statistical-geography/E09000001 |website=statistics.data.gov.uk |quote=Area (Extent of the realm hectarage) 314.96 |access-date=18 January 2019 |archive-date=15 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190115011408/http://statistics.data.gov.uk/doc/statistical-geography/E09000001 |url-status=live}}</ref> but is part of a much larger urban area ([[Greater London]] - 671 sq mi)<ref>{{cite web |title=ONS Geography Linked Data - Greater London BUA |url=http://statistics.data.gov.uk/doc/statistical-geography/E34004707 |website=statistics.data.gov.uk |quote=Area (Extent of the realm hectarage) 173785.5 |access-date=18 January 2019 |archive-date=10 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211110230545/http://statistics.data.gov.uk/atlas/resource?uri=http%3A%2F%2Fstatistics.data.gov.uk%2Fid%2Fstatistical-geography%2FE34004707&inactive=false |url-status=live}}</ref> *2nd smallest in England and UK by city council boundary area (2.11 sq mi) behind the City of London (1.12) *2nd smallest in England only by population and urban area (10,536 residents, 1.35 sq mi)<ref>{{cite web |title=ONS Geography Linked Data - Wells BUA |url=http://statistics.data.gov.uk/resource?uri=http%3A%2F%2Fstatistics.data.gov.uk%2Fid%2Fstatistical-geography%2FE34004695 |quote=Area (Extent of the realm hectarage) 350.25 |access-date=18 January 2019 |archive-date=10 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211110230608/http://statistics.data.gov.uk/atlas/resource?uri=http%3A%2F%2Fstatistics.data.gov.uk%2Fid%2Fstatistical-geography%2FE34004695&inactive=false |url-status=live}}</ref> behind the City of London (8,072, 1.12) *4th smallest in the UK by population and urban area behind [[St Davids]] (1,841 residents, 0.23 sq mi),<ref>{{cite web |title=ONS Geography Linked Data {{!}} St Davids BUA |url=http://statistics.data.gov.uk/doc/statistical-geography/W37000368 |website=statistics.data.gov.uk |quote=Area (Extent of the realm hectarage) 59.5 |access-date=18 January 2019 |archive-date=10 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211110230653/http://statistics.data.gov.uk/atlas/resource?uri=http%3A%2F%2Fstatistics.data.gov.uk%2Fid%2Fstatistical-geography%2FW37000368&inactive=false |url-status=live }}</ref> [[St Asaph]] (3,355, 0.50)<ref>{{cite web |title=ONS Geography Linked Data {{!}} St Asaph BUA |url=http://statistics.data.gov.uk/doc/statistical-geography/W37000113 |website=statistics.data.gov.uk |quote=Area (Extent of the realm hectarage) 129.75 |access-date=18 January 2019 |archive-date=10 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211110230613/http://statistics.data.gov.uk/atlas/resource?uri=http%3A%2F%2Fstatistics.data.gov.uk%2Fid%2Fstatistical-geography%2FW37000113&inactive=false |url-status=live }}</ref> and the [[City of London]] (8,072, 1.12). ==Geography== Wells lies at the foot of the southern escarpment of the [[Mendip Hills]] where they meet the [[Somerset Levels]]. The hills are largely made of [[carboniferous limestone]], which is quarried at several nearby sites. In the 1960s, the tallest mast in the region, the [[Mendip transmitting station|Mendip UHF television transmitter]], was installed on [[Pen Hill]] above Wells,<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.aerialsandtv.com/mendiptx.html |title=Mendip Transmitter |publisher=A.T.V. (Aerials and Television) |access-date=14 March 2010 |archive-date=3 January 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100103054313/http://aerialsandtv.com/mendiptx.html |url-status=live}}</ref> approximately {{convert|2|mi|km|0|abbr=off|spell=on}} from the centre of the city. [[File:Keward brook - geograph.org.uk - 188426.jpg|thumb|upright|left|Keward Brook]] Streams passing through [[Caves of the Mendip Hills|caves]] on the Mendip Hills, including [[Thrupe Lane Swallet]] and [[Viaduct Sink]] (approximately {{cvt|5|km|mi|0|disp=or}} east of the city), emerge at Saint Andrew's Well in the garden of the Bishop's Palace,<ref>{{cite book |title=Mendip Underground: A Caver's Guide |publisher=Mendip Cave Registry and Archive |last1=Gray |first1=Alan |last2=Taviner |first2=Rob |last3=Witcombe |first3=Richard |year=2013 |edition=5th |location=Wells |pages=397, 434 |isbn=9780953131051}}</ref><ref>{{cite mcra |id=1367 |name=Thrupe Lane Swallet |year=2009 |access-date=8 December 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite mcra |id=1420 |name=Viaduct Sink |access-date=14 January 2014}}</ref> from where the water fills the moat around the Palace and then flows into Keward Brook, which carries it for approximately a mile west to the point where the brook joins the [[River Sheppey]] in the village of [[Coxley]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Keward Brook |url=http://somersetrivers.org/index.php?module=Content&func=view&pid=121 |publisher=Somerset Rivers |access-date=16 December 2017 |archive-date=17 December 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171217031205/http://somersetrivers.org/index.php?module=Content&func=view&pid=121 |url-status=live}}</ref> Along with the rest of [[Climate of south-west England|South West England]], the Mendip Hills have a [[temperate|temperate climate]] which is generally wetter and milder than the rest of England. The annual mean temperature is about {{convert|10|Β°C|Β°F|abbr=on}} with seasonal and [[Diurnal motion|diurnal]] variations, but due to the modifying effect of the sea, the range is less than in most other parts of the United Kingdom. January is the coldest month with mean minimum temperatures between {{convert|1|and|2|Β°C|Β°F|abbr=on}}. July and August are the warmest months in the region with mean daily maxima around {{convert|21|Β°C|Β°F|abbr=on}}. In general, December is the dullest month and June the sunniest. The south west of England enjoys a favoured location, particularly in summer, when the [[Azores High]] extends its influence north-eastwards towards the UK.<ref name="weather">{{Cite web |title=South West England: climate |work=Met Office |url=http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/climate/uk/sw/ |access-date=14 March 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110605003222/http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/climate/uk/sw/ |archive-date=5 June 2011}}</ref> [[Cumulus cloud|Cloud]] often forms inland, especially near hills, and reduces exposure to sunshine. The average annual sunshine totals around 1600 hours. [[Precipitation (meteorology)|Rainfall]] tends to be associated with Atlantic [[Low pressure area|depressions]] or with convection. In summer, convection caused by solar surface heating sometimes forms shower clouds and a large proportion of the annual precipitation falls from showers and [[thunderstorms]] at this time of year. Average rainfall is around {{convert|800|β|900|mm|in|abbr=on}}. About 8β15 days of [[snowfall]] is typical. November to March have the highest mean wind speeds, with June to August having the lightest. The predominant wind direction is from the south west.<ref name="weather"/> The civil parish of Wells is entirely surrounded by the parish of [[St Cuthbert Out]]. [[File:Wells from cathedral tower.jpg|thumb|Looking west from the tower of the cathedral]] ==Demography== The population of the civil parish, recorded in the [[United Kingdom Census 2011|2011 census]], was 10,536.<ref name="popn"/> Of this number 97.5% are ethnically White (with the more specific White British category recorded at 93.5%)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk/dissemination/LeadTableView.do?a=7&b=11130266&c=Wells&d=16&e=61&g=6461445&i=1001x1003x1032x1004&o=362&m=0&r=1&s=1419423337830&enc=1&dsFamilyId=2575 |title=Ethnic Group, Wells Parish |publisher=Office for National Statistics |access-date=16 February 2016 |archive-date=4 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304025828/http://neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk/dissemination/LeadTableView.do?a=7&b=11130266&c=Wells&d=16&e=61&g=6461445&i=1001x1003x1032x1004&o=362&m=0&r=1&s=1419423337830&enc=1&dsFamilyId=2575 |url-status=live}}</ref> and 66.5% described themselves as Christian.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk/dissemination/LeadTableView.do?a=7&b=11130266&c=Wells&d=16&e=61&g=6461445&i=1001x1003x1032x1004&o=362&m=0&r=1&s=1419424024439&enc=1&dsFamilyId=2579 |title=Religion, Wells Parish |publisher=Office for National Statistics |access-date=16 February 2016 |archive-date=4 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304035255/http://neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk/dissemination/LeadTableView.do?a=7&b=11130266&c=Wells&d=16&e=61&g=6461445&i=1001x1003x1032x1004&o=362&m=0&r=1&s=1419424024439&enc=1&dsFamilyId=2579 |url-status=live}}</ref> The mean average age in 2011 was 41.9 years (the median age being 43).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk/dissemination/LeadTableView.do?a=7&b=11130266&c=Wells&d=16&e=62&g=6461445&i=1001x1003x1032x1004&o=362&m=0&r=1&s=1419423547127&enc=1&dsFamilyId=2474 |title=Age Structure, Wells Parish |publisher=Office for National Statistics |access-date=16 February 2016 |archive-date=4 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304041632/http://neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk/dissemination/LeadTableView.do?a=7&b=11130266&c=Wells&d=16&e=62&g=6461445&i=1001x1003x1032x1004&o=362&m=0&r=1&s=1419423547127&enc=1&dsFamilyId=2474 |url-status=live}}</ref> The population recorded for the Wells civil parish in the 2001 census was 10,406.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk/dissemination/viewFullDataset.do?instanceSelection=03070&productId=779&$ph=60_61&datasetInstanceId=3070&startColumn=1&numberOfColumns=8&containerAreaId=790506 |title=Parish Headcounts |access-date=24 December 2014 |archive-date=24 December 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141224141128/http://www.neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk/dissemination/viewFullDataset.do?instanceSelection=03070&productId=779&$ph=60_61&datasetInstanceId=3070&startColumn=1&numberOfColumns=8&containerAreaId=790506 |url-status=live}}</ref> ==Economy== [[File:Wells, Somerset, 24 June 2013.jpg|thumb|The Market Place]] Following construction of the [[A39 road|A39]]/[[A371 road|A371]] bypass, the centre of the city has returned to being that of a quiet [[market town]]. It has all the modern conveniences plus shops, hotels and restaurants.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.wellstourism.com/shopping/shopping.php |title=Businesses & Shops in Wells |work=Wells Tourism Web Site |publisher=Mendip District Council |access-date=24 April 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100325192309/http://www.wellstourism.com/shopping/shopping.php |archive-date=25 March 2010 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Wells is a popular tourist destination, due to its historical sites,<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.touruk.co.uk/somerset/som_wells.htm |title=Wells |publisher=Tour UK |access-date=7 October 2012 |archive-date=8 May 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120508004534/http://www.touruk.co.uk/somerset/som_wells.htm |url-status=live}}</ref> its proximity to [[Bath, Somerset|Bath]], [[Bristol]], [[Stonehenge]] and Glastonbury and its closeness to the Somerset coast. Also nearby are [[Wookey Hole Caves]], the [[Mendip Hills]] and the [[Somerset Levels]]. Somerset cheese, including [[Cheddar cheese|Cheddar]], is made locally. Wells is part of the Wells and Shepton Mallet [[travel to work area]] which also includes Glastonbury, Cheddar and surrounding areas.<ref name="TTWA">{{Cite web |url=http://www.statistics.gov.uk/geography/downloads/2001_TTWA_map.pdf |title=Travel to Work Areas, 2001 |publisher=National Statistics |access-date=5 March 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090305104922/http://www.statistics.gov.uk/geography/downloads/2001_TTWA_map.pdf |archive-date=5 March 2009}}</ref> The historic part of the city has often been used for filming both documentaries and many period films and television series, including some with very large productions.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cross-croscombe.co.uk/blog/film-locations/ |title=Film Locations |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=20 April 2016 |website=Cross-Crosscombe |access-date=4 January 2017 |quote=During the past couple of years Wells has played host to a mix of documentaries, period and modern dramas and a Hollywood blockbuster or two. The city featured in acclaimed TV drama, Wolf Hall, The Great British Food Trip with Terry Wogan (R.I.P) and big budget film, The Huntsman to name but a few. (See a comprehensive list here.) |archive-date=5 January 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170105085543/http://www.cross-croscombe.co.uk/blog/film-locations/ |url-status=live}}</ref> Recent examples (2014 to 2017) include filming for Series 2 of [[Poldark (2015 TV series)|''Poldark'']], [[Dunkirk (2017 film)|''Dunkirk'']], ''[[Another Mother's Son]]'', ''Broadchurch'', ''[[The Levelling]]'', ''Mum's List'', and ''[[The White Princess (miniseries)|The White Princess]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.somersetlive.co.uk/dunkirk-the-white-princess-broadchurch-poldark-when-will-scenes-shot-in-somerset-be-on-screen/story-30000467-detail/story.html |title=Dunkirk, The White Princess, Broadchurch, Poldark: when will scenes shot in Somerset be on screen? |author=Magistrates Reporter<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=25 December 2016 |website=Somerset Live |publisher=Local World |access-date=4 January 2017 |quote=See the video in our story here for a glimpse of the actors filming the highly anticipated drama.}}{{Dead link|date=February 2022 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes}}</ref> In addition to [[Wells Cathedral]], the [[Bishop's Palace, Wells]] is particularly popular among productions, with filming at the latter conducted (in 2015β2016) for ''[[The Huntsman: Winter's War]]'', ''[[Galavant]]'', Terry and Mason's ''The Great British Food Trip'', ''[[Escape to the Country]]'', and ''[[Holiday of My Lifetime]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://bishopspalace.org.uk/venue/film-and-photography/ |title=Filming and Photography |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=4 January 2017 |website=The Bishop's Palace |access-date=4 January 2017 |quote=... the backdrop to many films and tv shows. Recent film work here includes |archive-date=5 January 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170105083639/https://bishopspalace.org.uk/venue/film-and-photography/ |url-status=live}}</ref> ==Transport== [[File:Wells bus station First 66160 42825.jpg|thumb|Wells bus station]] Wells is situated at the junction of three numbered routes. The [[A39 road|A39]] goes north-east to Bath and south-west to [[Glastonbury]] and [[Bridgwater]]. The [[A371]] goes north-west to [[Cheddar, Somerset|Cheddar]] and [[Weston-super-Mare]], and east to [[Shepton Mallet]]. The B3139 goes west to [[Highbridge, Somerset|Highbridge]], and north-east to [[Radstock]] and [[Trowbridge]]. The nearest motorway connections are at junction 23 on the [[M5 motorway|M5]] via the [[A39 road|A39]] and at junction 1 of the [[M32 motorway|M32]] via the A39 and [[A37 road|A37]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://getamap.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/ |title=Get a map from Ordnance Survey, Britain's national mapping agency |access-date=1 March 2009 |archive-date=28 November 2004 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041128084220/http://getamap.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> Wells is served by [[First West of England]] bus services to [[Bristol bus station|Bristol]] and [[Bristol Temple Meads railway station|Bristol Temple Meads station]], [[Bath bus station|Bath]], [[Frome]], [[Shepton Mallet]], [[Yeovil]], [[Street, Somerset|Street]] and [[Weston-super-Mare]], as well as providing some local service. It is served by [[Berrys Coaches]] daily Superfast service to and from London.<ref>https://book.berryscoaches.co.uk/superfast-timetables.html {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210206130339/https://book.berryscoaches.co.uk/superfast-timetables.html |date=6 February 2021 }} Superfast Timetable</ref> The bus station is in Princes Road. The [[Mendip Way]] and [[Monarch's Way]] long-distance footpaths pass through the city, as does [[National Cycle Route 3]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://getamap.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/getamap/frames.htm?mapAction=gaz&gazName=g&gazString=SO9850297782 |title=Ordnance Survey Get-a-map |pages=ST 548 455 |access-date=1 March 2009 |archive-date=27 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120127162316/http://getamap.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/getamap/frames.htm?mapAction=gaz&gazName=g&gazString=SO9850297782 |url-status=live}}</ref> ===Railways=== Wells had two stations which were closed by the [[Beeching Axe]] in the 1960s: [[Wells (Tucker Street) railway station]] and [[Wells (Priory Road) railway station]]. The nearest railway line today is the [[East Somerset Railway]]. The nearest station today for the national rail network is [[Castle Cary railway station|Castle Cary]], {{convert|12|mi|km}} away.<ref name="SC">{{cite web |url=https://www.somerset.gov.uk/business-economy-and-licences/licensing/wells-christmas-market/ |title=Christmas in Wells |publisher=Somerset Council |date=2024-09-26 }}</ref> [[Bristol Temple Meads railway station]] is accessible via the 376 bus route; the journey time is around one hour.<ref name="SC"/> [[File:Bath, Chard, Highbridge & Wells RJD 120.jpg|thumb|Wells stations on the [[Railway Clearing House]] map.]] ==Education== [[File:The Music School, Cathedral Green - Wells - geograph.org.uk - 985810.jpg|alt=Red brick building with small tower to the left of the arched doorway and bay window to the right.|thumb|left|The Music School of [[Wells Cathedral School]]]] [[The Blue School, Wells|The Blue School]], founded in 1641,<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.theblueschoolwells.co.uk/section.php/46/1/history_of_the_school |title=Wells Blue Schoo Historyl |publisher=Wells Blue School Website |access-date=19 March 2010 |archive-date=22 January 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130122061035/http://www.theblueschoolwells.co.uk/section.php/46/1/history_of_the_school |url-status=live}}</ref> is a state [[coeducational]] [[comprehensive school]] and has been awarded [[Specialist science college]] status. It has 1,641 students aged 11β18 of both sexes and all ability levels.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/provider/files/2735841/urn/137285.pdf |title=Blue School, Wells |publisher=Ofsted |access-date=27 February 2018 }}{{Dead link|date=February 2022 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> [[Wells Cathedral School]], founded in 909, is a [[Private schools in the United Kingdom|private school]] that has a Christian emphasis and is one of the five established musical schools for school-age children in [[UK|Britain]]. The school teaches over 700 [[student|pupils]] between the ages of 3 and 18. The school's [[boarding house]]s line the northern parts of the city and the music school retains close links with Wells Cathedral.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.wellscathedralschool.org/wells/ |title=Wells Cathedral School |publisher=Wells Cathedral School |access-date=2 March 2009 |archive-date=18 February 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090218033732/http://wellscathedralschool.org/wells/ |url-status=live}}</ref> The primary schools in Wells are Stoberry Park School, St Cuthbert's Church of England Infants School, St Cuthbert's Church of England Junior School and St Joseph and St Teresa Catholic Primary School. {{Clear}} ==Culture== [[Wells and Mendip Museum]] includes many historical artefacts from the city and surrounding [[Mendip Hills]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.wellsmuseum.org.uk/top/collections.html |title=Collections |publisher=Wells and Mendip Museum |access-date=4 February 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090829081754/http://www.wellsmuseum.org.uk/top/collections.html |archive-date=29 August 2009}}</ref> Wells is part of the [[West Country Carnival]] circuit. [http://www.wellsfilmcentre.co.uk/ Wells Film Centre] shows current releases and, in conjunction with the Wells Film Society shows less well known and historical films.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.twfs.org.uk/ |title=The Wells Film Society |publisher=The Wells Film Society |access-date=20 March 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110319203147/http://www.twfs.org.uk/ |archive-date=19 March 2011}}</ref> The previous cinema, The Regal in Priory Road, closed in 1993 and is now Kudos Nightclub. It was built in 1935 by ES Roberts from [[Flemish bond]] brickwork with [[Art Deco]] features. It is a Grade II [[listed building]],<ref>{{NHLE |num=1383073 |desc=Regal Cinema |access-date=20 March 2010}}</ref> and was on the [[Heritage at Risk Register|Buildings at Risk Register]] until its restoration which included the restoration and repair of the [[stained glass]] faΓ§ade.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.mendip.gov.uk/Documents/Regeneration/Heritage%20Conservation/Documents/Mendip%20Historic%20Buildings%20at%20Risk%20Success%20Stories.pdf |title=Historic Buildings at Risk Register Success Stories |publisher=Mendip District Council |pages=33 |access-date=20 March 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110611122817/http://www.mendip.gov.uk/Documents/Regeneration/Heritage%20Conservation/Documents/Mendip%20Historic%20Buildings%20at%20Risk%20Success%20Stories.pdf |archive-date=11 June 2011}}</ref> Wells Little Theatre is operated by a voluntary society which started in 1902. In 1969 they took over the old boy's building of Wells Blue School, where they put on a variety of operatic and other productions.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.littletheatrewells.org/?tab=7 |title=The Society |publisher=Little Theatre Wells |access-date=20 March 2010 |archive-date=27 July 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110727034858/http://www.littletheatrewells.org/?tab=7 |url-status=live}}</ref> [[Milton Lodge]] is a house overlooking the city. It has a terraced garden, which was laid out in the early 20th century, is listed as Grade II on the [[Register of Historic Parks and Gardens of special historic interest in England]].<ref name=nhle>{{NHLE|desc=Milton Lodge and The Combe|num=1001277 |access-date=8 November 2013}}</ref> ==Local media== Television programmes and local news is provided by [[BBC West]] and [[ITV West Country]]. Local radio stations are [[BBC Radio Somerset]], [[Heart West]], and [[Greatest Hits Radio South West]]. The city is served by these local newspapers: ''Wells Voice'',<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-12-29 |title=Wells Voice - Your Local Voice Magazine for the Wells area |url=https://wellsvoice.co.uk/ |access-date=2024-01-23 |website=Wells Voice |language=en-GB}}</ref> ''[[The Somerset County Gazette]]'' and ''[[SomersetLive]]''. ==Religious sites== [[File:Stcuthbertwells.jpg|alt=Decorated and buttressed yellow stone tower.|thumb|upright|St.Cuthbert Parish Church, Wells]] A walled precinct, the [[Wells St Andrew|Liberty of St Andrew]], encloses the twelfth century [[Wells Cathedral|Cathedral]], the [[Bishop's Palace, Wells|Bishop's Palace]], Vicar's Close and the residences of the clergy who serve the cathedral. Entrances include the [[Penniless Porch, Wells|Penniless Porch]],<ref>{{NHLE |num=1383024 |desc=Penniless Porch Gateway to Cathedral Green, Wells |access-date=13 January 2009}}</ref> [[The Bishop's Eye, Wells|The Bishop's Eye]]<ref>{{NHLE |num=1383026 |desc=The Bishop's Eye, Wells |access-date=13 January 2009}}</ref> and [[Brown's Gatehouse, Wells|Brown's Gatehouse]]<ref>{{NHLE |num=1383101 |desc=Brown's Gatehouse, Wells |access-date=13 January 2009}}</ref> which were all built around 1450. The [[Church of St Cuthbert, Wells|Church of St Cuthbert]] has a Somerset stone tower and a carved roof. Originally an Early English building (13th century), it was much altered in the [[Perpendicular Gothic|Perpendicular period]].<ref name="curio" /> The nave's coloured ceiling was repainted in 1963 at the instigation of the then Vicar's wife, Mrs Barnett.<ref>{{NHLE |num=1383111 |desc=Church of St Cuthbert |access-date=24 August 2006}}</ref><ref>{{NHLE |num=1383199 |desc=Nos.14β27 Vicars Close |access-date=24 August 2006}}</ref> Until 1561 the church had a central tower which either collapsed or was removed, and has been replaced with the current tower over the west door.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.stcuthbertswells.co.uk/our_church.html |title=Our Church |work=St Cuthbert, Wells |access-date=5 March 2008 |archive-date=23 February 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080223151612/http://www.stcuthbertswells.co.uk/our_church.html |url-status=live}}</ref> Bells were cast for the tower by Roger Purdy.<ref>{{Cite journal |year=1857 |title=Bells in St Cuthberts Tower, Wells, Somerset |journal=Notes & Queries |volume=s2-IV(93) |pages=284β285 |doi=10.1093/nq/s2-IV.93.284b |last1=Ina |issue=93}}</ref> The [[polychromatic]] stone [[Church of St Thomas, Wells|Church of St Thomas]] was built during 1856 and 1857 and extended by [[Samuel Sanders Teulon]] in 1864, commemorating the work of [[Richard Jenkyns]] the [[Dean of Wells]] who had cared for the poor in the east of the city.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.stthomaswells.co.uk/about_history.html |title=History of St Thomas Church |publisher=St Thomas, Wells |access-date=29 December 2017 |archive-date=30 December 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171230060306/http://www.stthomaswells.co.uk/about_history.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{NHLE|desc=Church of St Thomas|num=1383153 |access-date=29 December 2017}}</ref> Wells Vineyard Church is an Evangelical Church formed in 2003.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.wellsvineyard.com/ |title=Home |website=www.wellsvineyard.com |language=en-gb |access-date=2018-09-28 |archive-date=29 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180929000525/http://www.wellsvineyard.com/ |url-status=live}}</ref> [[File:Inverted arch Wells Cathedral, Somerset, England arp.jpg|thumb|left|Interior of Wells Cathedral, showing inverted arches inserted in 1338 to strengthen the building]] ===Wells Cathedral=== {{Main|Wells Cathedral}}The cathedral is the [[Cathedra|seat]] of the [[Church of England]] [[Diocese of Bath and Wells]]. Wells has been an ecclesiastical city of importance since at least the early 8th century. Parts of the building date back to the tenth century, and it is a grade I listed building.<ref>{{NHLE |num=1382901 |desc=Cathedral Church of St Andrew, Chapter House and Cloisters |access-date=24 August 2006}}</ref> It is known for its fine fan vaulted ceilings, Lady Chapel and windows, and the scissor arches which support the central tower. The west front is said to be the finest collection of statuary in Europe,<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.britannia.com/travel/magical/magic6.html |title=Stop 5: Wells, Somerset |work=Britannia's Magical History Tour |publisher=Britania Travels |access-date=4 February 2010 |archive-date=14 January 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100114000446/http://britannia.com/travel/magical/magic6.html |url-status=live}}</ref> retaining almost 300 of its original medieval statues,<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.wellscathedral.org.uk/history/architecture/westfront.shtml |title=The West Front |publisher=Wells Cathedral |access-date=4 February 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100120184410/http://www.wellscathedral.org.uk/history/architecture/westfront.shtml |archive-date=20 January 2010 |url-status=dead}}</ref> carved from the cathedral's warm, yellow [[Doulting]] stone.<ref>{{Cite book |last1=Ashurst |first1=John |first2=Francis G. |last2=Dimes |title=Conservation of building and decorative stone |publisher=Butterworth-Heinemann |year=1998 |edition=2 |pages=102 |isbn=978-0-7506-3898-2 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Yh4xMVb7uOQC&q=Wells%20Cathedral%20Doulting%20stone&pg=PA102 |access-date=5 December 2020 |archive-date=10 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211110230605/https://books.google.com/books?id=Yh4xMVb7uOQC&q=Wells+Cathedral+Doulting+stone&pg=PA102 |url-status=live}}</ref> The Chapter House, at the top of a flight of stone stairs, leading out from the north transept is an octagonal building with a fan-vaulted ceiling.<ref>{{NHLE |num=1382900 |desc=Chapter House to Cathedral Church of St Andrew |access-date=24 August 2006}}</ref> It is here that the business of running the cathedral is still conducted by the members of the Chapter, the cathedral's ruling body. [[Wells Cathedral clock]] is famous for its 24-hour astronomical dial and set of jousting knights that perform every quarter-hour. The cathedral has the heaviest ring of ten bells in the world. The tenor bell weighs just over 56 cwt (6,272 lb, 2,844 kg).<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.wellscathedral.org.uk/worship/bells.shtml |title=Bells |publisher=Wells Cathedral |access-date=4 August 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080729004249/http://www.wellscathedral.org.uk/worship/bells.shtml |archive-date=29 July 2008 |url-status=dead}}</ref> The [[Vicars' Close, Wells|Vicars' Close]] is the oldest residential street in Europe.<ref name="curio" /> The Close is tapered by {{cvt|10|ft|m|1}} to make it look longer when viewed from the bottom. When viewed from the top, however, it looks shorter.<ref>{{NHLE |num=1383197 |desc=Nos.1β13 Vicars Close, Wells |access-date=13 January 2009}}</ref><ref>{{NHLE |num=1383199 |desc=Nos.14β27 Vicars Close, Wells |access-date=13 January 2009}}</ref><ref>{{NHLE |num=1383198 |desc=Boundary walls to Nos.1β13 Vicars Close, Wells |access-date=13 January 2009}}</ref><ref>{{NHLE |num=1383200 |desc=Boundary walls to Nos.14β27 Vicars Close, Wells |access-date=13 January 2009}}</ref><ref>{{NHLE |num=1383201 |desc=The Vicars' Chapel Vicars Close, Wells |access-date=13 January 2009}}</ref><ref>{{NHLE |num=1383202 |desc=The Vicars' Hall Vicars Close, Wells |access-date=13 January 2009}}</ref> [[The Old Deanery, Wells|The Old Deanery]] dates from the 12th century,<ref>{{NHLE |num=1382908 |desc=Gatehouse and south boundary wall to the Old Deanery, Wells |access-date=13 January 2009}}</ref><ref>{{NHLE |num=1382907 |desc=Old Deanery Court, with link wall along east side The Old Deanery, Wells |access-date=13 January 2009}}</ref><ref>{{NHLE |num=1382906 |desc=The Old Deanery, Wells |access-date=13 January 2009}}</ref> and [[St John's Priory, Wells|St John's Priory]] from the 14th.<ref>{{NHLE |num=1383115 |desc=No.2 St John's Priory, with front boundary wall and railings, Wells |access-date=13 January 2009}}</ref> The street is owned by Wells Cathedral. ===The Bishop's Palace=== {{Main|Bishop's Palace, Wells}}The Bishop's Palace has been the home of the bishops of the [[Diocese of Bath and Wells]] for 800 years. The hall and chapel date from the 14th century.<ref>{{NHLE |num=1382873 |desc=The Bishop's Palace and Bishop's House |access-date=24 August 2006}}</ref> There are {{cvt|14|acre|ha|1}} of gardens including the springs from which the city takes its name. Visitors can also see the Bishop's private chapel, ruined great hall and the gatehouse with portcullis and drawbridge beside which [[Mute Swan|mute swans]] ring a bell for food.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/somerset/5359808.stm |title=Bishop receives Royal swan gift |access-date=10 November 2007 |date=19 September 2006 |work=BBC News |archive-date=10 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211110230657/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/somerset/5359808.stm |url-status=live}}</ref> The [[The Bishop's Barn, Wells|Bishop's Barn]] was built in the 15th century.<ref>{{NHLE |num=1383158 |desc=The Bishop's Barn, Wells |access-date=13 January 2009}}</ref> ==Sport== [[File:Rowdens Road Cricket Ground, Wells gates.JPG|thumb|left|The gates of [[Rowdens Road Cricket Ground, Wells|Rowdens Road Cricket Ground]] dedicated to [[Mary Rand|Mary Bignal-Rand]]]] The city has two football clubs, one being [[Wells City F.C.]], past winners of the [[Western Football League|Western League]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.fchd.info/WELLSC.HTM |title=Wells City |publisher=Football Club History Database |access-date=4 February 2010 |archive-date=16 May 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080516042542/http://www.fchd.info/WELLSC.HTM |url-status=live}}</ref> Belrose FC play their football in the [[Mid-Somerset Football League]] at Haybridge Park. Wells Cricket Club runs eight sides across senior, junior and women's cricket; they are based at [[South Horrington]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/wellscc |title=Wells Cricket Club |publisher=Wells Cricket Club |access-date=18 January 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150119003622/http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/wellscc |archive-date=19 January 2015}}</ref> Wells Wanderers Cricket Club are based in [[Meare]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.wellswandererscc.co.uk/ |title=Wells Wanderers CC |publisher=Wells Wanderers CC |access-date=4 February 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100303222927/http://wellswandererscc.co.uk/ |archive-date=3 March 2010}}</ref> [[Rowdens Road Cricket Ground, Wells|Rowdens Road Cricket Ground]] was a [[First-class cricket|first-class]] venue. No longer a cricket ground, it is now occupied in part by Wells FC. Mid-Somerset [[Field hockey|Hockey]] Club and Wells City Acorns Hockey Club both play on the [[Astroturf]] pitches at the Blue School,<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.midsomersethockeyclub.com/ |title=Mid Somerset Hockey Club |publisher=Mid Somerset Hockey Club |access-date=4 February 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091217095455/http://www.midsomersethockeyclub.com/ |archive-date=17 December 2009}}</ref> where several other sports clubs are based.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.wellsbluesportscentre.co.uk/ |title=Wells Blue Sports Centre |publisher=The Blue School |access-date=7 June 2012 |archive-date=11 April 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120411231942/http://www.wellsbluesportscentre.co.uk/ |url-status=live}}</ref> Wells Leisure Centre has a {{cvt|25|m|ft}} swimming pool, gymnasium, sports hall, sauna, steam room, relaxation area and solarium.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.avalonleisure.co.uk/wells-leisure-centre.html |title=Wells Leisure Centre |publisher=Avalon leisure |access-date=4 February 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100124093952/http://www.avalonleisure.co.uk/wells-leisure-centre.html |archive-date=24 January 2010}}</ref> The 18-hole Wells Golf Club is on the outskirts of the city and also has a 24-bay driving range with optional grass tees.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://wellsgolfclub.webs.com/thecourse.htm |title=The Course |publisher=Wells Golf Club |access-date=4 February 2010 |archive-date=13 January 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100113132118/http://wellsgolfclub.webs.com/thecourse.htm |url-status=live}}</ref> ==In popular culture== [[File:227710139 2464fad6e2.jpg|alt=Night scene of floodlight stone walls adjoining still water.|thumb|The Bishop's Palace gatehouse and drawbridge]] [[Elizabeth Goudge]] used Wells as a basis for the fictional cathedral city of Torminster, in her book ''A City of Bells'' (1936), and its two sequels ''Sister of the Angels'' (1939) and ''Henrietta's House'' (1942: ''The Blue Hills'', USA title).<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.elizabethgoudge.org/a_short_biography_of_elizabeth_g.htm |title=A Short Biography of Elizabeth Goudge |last=Gaudin |first=Deborah |publisher=Elizabeth Goudge Society |access-date=4 February 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090728010254/http://www.elizabethgoudge.org/a_short_biography_of_elizabeth_g.htm |archive-date=28 July 2009}}</ref> Wells has been used as the setting for several films including: ''[[The Canterbury Tales (film)|The Canterbury Tales]]'' (1973),<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.iknow-somerset.co.uk/tourist_information/central_somerset/wells/wells_tourist_information.htm |title=Wells Tourist Information |publisher=iknow Somerset |access-date=16 March 2010 |archive-date=13 February 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100213150857/http://www.iknow-somerset.co.uk/tourist_information/central_somerset/wells/wells_tourist_information.htm |url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[A Fistful of Fingers]]'' (1994),<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0131396/ |title=A Fistful of Fingers |publisher=IMDB |access-date=4 February 2010 |archive-date=10 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211110230543/https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0131396/ |url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[The Gathering (2003 film)|The Gathering]] '' (2003),<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0294594/locations |title=Filming locations for The Gathering |publisher=IMDB |access-date=4 February 2010 |archive-date=10 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211110230613/https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0294594/locations |url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[The Libertine (2004 film)|The Libertine]]'' (2004),<ref name="BBCarts"/> ''[[Elizabeth: The Golden Age|The Golden Age]]'' (2007),<ref name="BBCarts"/> and ''[[Hot Fuzz]]'' (2007, as Sandford).<ref name="CinemaReview2">{{Cite web |title=Hot Fuzz-Production Notes p.2 |work=CinemaReview |url=http://www.cinemareview.com/production.asp?prodid=4056 |access-date=23 March 2009 |archive-date=14 March 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130314034557/http://www.cinemareview.com/production.asp?prodid=4056 |url-status=dead}}</ref> The cathedral interior stood in for [[Southwark Cathedral]] during filming for the ''[[Doctor Who]]'' episode "[[The Lazarus Experiment]]",<ref name="BBCarts">{{Cite web |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/somerset/content/articles/2005/07/26/somerset_film_tv_locations_feature.shtml |title=Showbiz Somerset |work=Art, films and television |publisher=BBC |access-date=4 February 2010 |archive-date=30 September 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100930103401/http://www.bbc.co.uk/somerset/content/articles/2005/07/26/somerset_film_tv_locations_feature.shtml |url-status=live}}</ref> and was also used as an interior location in the film ''[[Jack the Giant Slayer]]'' (2013), and in 2017 for the film Hellboy. In 2017 the market square and town hall was used for production of the BBC series Poldark. ==Notable people== {{See also|List of Bishops of Bath and Wells and precursor offices}} [[File:Wells - Pennyless Porch.JPG|alt=Ornate stone buildings. 2 archways beneath towers. In the foreground is a lamp stand with flowers.|thumb|[[Penniless Porch, Wells|Penniless Porch]] and [[The Bishop's Eye, Wells|the Bishop's Eye]]]] *[[Hugh of Wells]] β native of Wells, Bishop, elder brother of Jocelin of Wells.<ref name=BHOBath>Greenway ''[http://british-history.ac.uk/report.asp?compid=34341 Fasti Ecclesiae Anglicanae 1066β1300: volume 7: Bath and Wells: Bishops] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927214054/http://british-history.ac.uk/report.asp?compid=34341 |date=27 September 2007 }}''</ref><ref name=Gibbs186>Gibbs and Lang ''Bishops and Reform'' p. 186</ref> *[[Jocelin of Wells]] β native of Wells, Bishop, aided in creation of [[Magna Carta]] and largely responsible for the construction of the cathedral.<ref name=BHOPrebendsBath>Greenway ''[http://british-history.ac.uk/report.asp?compid=34409 Fasti Ecclesiae Anglicanae 1066β1300: volume 7: Bath and Wells: Canons whose prebends cannot be identified] {{Webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20121223044305/http://british-history.ac.uk/report.asp?compid=34409 |date=23 December 2012 }}''</ref> *[[Herbert E. Balch]] β cave explorer and founder of Wells Museum.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.oucc.org.uk/dtt/vol04/dtt4_24.htm |title=To he who lit the Stygian caves |last=Hooper |first=James |date=7 June 1994 |work=Depth through thought -OUCC News |publisher=Oxford University Cave Club |access-date=2 May 2008 |archive-date=16 July 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716144328/http://www.oucc.org.uk/dtt/vol04/dtt4_24.htm |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Wells Natural History and Archaeological Society |work=Wells Museum website |url=http://www.wellsmuseum.org.uk/top/society.html |access-date=4 February 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090829081804/http://www.wellsmuseum.org.uk/top/society.html |archive-date=29 August 2009}}</ref> His name was given to Balch Road, a [[council house|council estate]] that was built in the 1950s. *[[Mary Rand|Mary Bignall-Rand]] β Gold medalist and world record breaker in the long jump at the [[1964 Summer Olympics]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.wells.gov.uk/services/marketplace.php |title=Wells Market Place |publisher=City of Wells |access-date=4 February 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090923155657/http://www.wells.gov.uk/services/marketplace.php |archive-date=23 September 2009}}</ref> *[[Jack Buckner]] β won a gold medal in the 5000 metres at the 1986 [[European Athletics Championships]] in Stuttgart and a silver medal over the same distance in the 1986 [[Commonwealth Games]] in Edinburgh. Buckner also claimed a bronze medal at the 1987 [[World Athletics Championships]] in Athens.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.olympedia.org/athletes/68924 |title=Olympedia β Jack Buckner<!-- Bot generated title --> |access-date=24 July 2021 |archive-date=26 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210826212155/https://www.olympedia.org/athletes/68924 |url-status=live}}</ref> *[[Chris Clarke (politician)|Sir Chris Clarke]] β county councillor for Wells from 1985 to 2005.<ref>[http://wellslibdems.org.uk/news/000022/sir_chris_clarke_obe_has_died.html Sir Chris Clarke OBE has died] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100413184844/http://wellslibdems.org.uk/news/000022/sir_chris_clarke_obe_has_died.html |date=13 April 2010 }} dated 16 December 2009 at wellslibdems.org.uk</ref> *[[Harry George Crandon]] β awarded the [[Victoria Cross]] during the [[South African War (Boer War)|Boer War]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Grave Location for Holders of the Victoria Cross in the City of Manchester |work=The Victoria Cross Website |url=http://www.homeusers.prestel.co.uk/stewart/manchest.htm |access-date=25 September 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070929105456/http://www.homeusers.prestel.co.uk/stewart/manchest.htm |archive-date=29 September 2007}}</ref> *[[Alexander Edmund Batson Davie|Alexander Davie]] β born in Wells 1847, became 7th [[Premier of British Columbia]].<ref>{{Cite DCB |first=Zane H. |last=Lewis |title=Davie, Alexander Edmund Batson |volume=11 |url=http://www.biographi.ca/en/bio/davie_alexander_edmund_batson_11E.html |access-date=4 February 2010}}</ref> *[[Elizabeth Goudge]] β author of novels, short stories and children's books, was born in Wells in 1900.<ref name="SLrib">{{cite news |last1=Ovens |first1=Ruth |title=A sneak peek inside The Rib in Wells, 'The house with a cathedral in its garden' bought for Β£2m |url=http://www.somersetlive.co.uk/sneak-peek-inside-Rib-Wells-house-cathedral/story-29394940-detail/story.html |access-date=14 June 2016 |work=Somerset Live |publisher=Local World |date=13 June 2016 }}{{Dead link|date=February 2022 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> *[[Mary Hamilton (transvestite)|Mary Hamilton]] β 18th century fraudster and cross-dresser *[[Roger Hollis]] β Director General of [[MI5]].<ref>{{Cite book |last=Trahair |first=R.C.S |title=Encyclopedia of Cold War espionage, spies, and secret operations |publisher=Greenwood Press |year=2004 |pages=122 |isbn=978-0-313-31955-6 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=VNSMrps8mpcC&q=Roger%20Hollis%20Wells%20Somerset&pg=PA122 |access-date=5 December 2020 |archive-date=10 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211110230531/https://books.google.com/books?id=VNSMrps8mpcC&q=Roger+Hollis+Wells+Somerset&pg=PA122 |url-status=live}}</ref> *[[John Holloway (governor)|John Holloway]] β Governor of [[Colony of Newfoundland|Newfoundland]] (1807β1809) and [[Admiral of the Blue]].<ref>{{cite DCB |first=Frederic F. |last=Thompson |title=Holloway, John |volume=6 |url=http://www.biographi.ca/en/bio/holloway_john_6E.html |access-date=4 February 2010}}</ref> *[[John Keate]] β born in Wells 1773, went on to become headmaster at [[Eton College|Eton]] where he restored discipline with the [[Birching|birch]], and once flogged 80 boys in one day.<ref>{{acad|id=KT792J|name=Keate, John}}</ref> *[[James Keene (football player)|James Keene]] β professional footballer formerly of [[Portsmouth F.C.]], playing for [[IF Elfsborg]] in Sweden.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.goalserve.com/zh/info/soccer/player/james-keene/6235 |title=James Keene |publisher=Goalserve |access-date=20 March 2010 |archive-date=2 March 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120302204526/http://www.goalserve.com/zh/info/soccer/player/james-keene/6235 |url-status=live}}</ref> *[[Kris Marshall]] β actor, raised in the city and has lived there.<ref name=telegraph-20141228>{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/celebritynews/11314416/Whatever-happened-to-Kris-Marshall.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/celebritynews/11314416/Whatever-happened-to-Kris-Marshall.html |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=Whatever happened to Kris Marshall? |first=Daphne |last=Lockyer |newspaper=Daily Telegraph |date=28 December 2014 |access-date=16 April 2017}}{{cbignore}}</ref> *[[Harry Patch]] β last [[trench warfare|trench]] veteran of World War I, and at 111, briefly the oldest man in Europe and [[Oldest people#Oldest living men|3rd oldest man in the world]]. He was born in the nearby village of [[Combe Down]] and at the time of his death in July 2009 he was living in local care home Fletcher House.<ref name="BBCDeath">{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/8168691.stm |title=WWI veteran Patch dies aged 111 |date=25 July 2009 |work=BBC News |access-date=5 January 2010 |archive-date=26 July 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130726134845/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/8168691.stm |url-status=live}}</ref> *[[Julia Somerville]] β born in Wells 1947, newsreader and journalist who is working with [[BBC]] and [[ITN]] and co-presenter of ''[[Rip Off Britain (TV series)|Rip Off Britain]]'' *[[James Vaughan (magistrate)|Sir James Vaughan]] (1814β1906), magistrate at [[Bow Street Magistrates' Court]]<ref>James Vaughan in the 1891 Census for England and Wales</ref> *[[Edgar Wright]] β film and television director.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/3356799/Town-vs-gown-Wells-Somerset.html |title=Town vs gown: Wells, Somerset |last=Davidson |first=Max |date=2 August 2008 |newspaper=The Telegraph |access-date=4 February 2010 |location=London |archive-date=6 November 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091106192130/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/3356799/Town-vs-gown-Wells-Somerset.html |url-status=live}}</ref> Directed ''[[Hot Fuzz]]'', which was filmed in the city. *[[Waleran de Wellesley]] (died {{circa|1276}}), judge in Ireland and ancestor of the [[Duke of Wellington]].<ref>Longford, Elizabeth ''Wellington- the Years of the Sword'' Weidenfeld and Nicolson 1969</ref>{{page needed|date=October 2022}} ==Arms== {{Infobox COA wide |image = Wells Achievement.png |escutcheon = Argent in base a mount Vert thereon an ash tree Proper between three wells Gules.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://civicheraldry.co.uk/south_west.html#wells%20city |publisher=Civic Heraldry of England and Wales |title=Wells City Council (Somerset) |accessdate=19 January 2023}}</ref> |coronet = A mural crown Or. |motto = Hoc Fonte Derivata Copia (The Fullness That Springs From This Well).}} ==See also== {{Portal|Somerset}} *[[:Category:Tourist attractions in Somerset|Tourist attractions in Somerset]] ==References== {{Reflist}} ==External links== {{Commons category|Wells, Somerset}} {{Wikivoyage}} *[http://www.wells.gov.uk/ Wells City Council] {{Mendip}} {{UK cities}} {{Mendip Hills}} {{Somerset}} {{Authority control}} [[Category:Wells, Somerset|Wells]] [[Category:Cities in South West England]] [[Category:Market towns in Somerset]] [[Category:Towns in Mendip District]] [[Category:Civil parishes in Somerset]] [[Category:Mendip Hills]] [[Category:World War II prisoner-of-war camps in England]]
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