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Wells Cathedral is the most perfect example of an ecclesiastical city from the days when the order of life was God, King and country. It is the most superb place, with an exterior showing the finest array of medieval statues to survive from the 12th and 13th centuries in this country. Here, you gaze in wonder at niches containing 365 figures carved from mellow Doulting stone. Soaring skywards are three magnificent towers, although these were not added until later in the 14th and 15th centuries. Even the collection of buildings belonging to the cathedral are spectacular, from the row of cottages crowned with elegant tall chimney pots in Vicars Row, to the dramatic splendour of the walled and moated Bishop's Palace. Around the wide green fronting the cathedral are other church properties, all speak of the wealth and power of the church, which in medieval times was without parallel.
Once inside the cathedral you are immediately overwhelmed by its awesome size and grandeur. In the aisles beneath intricate arches, lie the remains of a long line of Bishops of Wells. The art of the early stone mason is evident as you look down the nave past lofty columns and decorative arcades to the triumphant "Scissor-Arch" at the crossing. This elaborate feature was designed to assist with the weight of further enhancement of the 14th century. In the south transept there is a stone Saxon font. This is still in use today, and is believed to be a relic from the first cathedral. The north transept shows what for many is a complete oddity from the 14th century. It is a painted clock which on the quarter of the hours shows jousting knights and two medieval warriors striking a bell with giant battleaxes. If the cathedral is a wonder, the clock is a delight!
Beautiful medieval glass dapples the glowing stone work in differing shades of light, lending the cathedral a hallowed air of mystery. In these glorious sunlit rays, magnificent woodwork glows and the appearance of brasses, marble and saintly statues becomes more vibrant, so too does the stunning painted roof vault in the beautiful Lady Chapel.
This is a cathedral church you cannot visit too often, for on each return visit you notice something rare and precious that you have not seen before. It is indeed a most marvellous treasure house that is a constant source of fascination and amazement at every turn you make. The sheer beauty of Wells cathedral, blended with its great historical atmosphere makes it a magical place, which is quite beyond compare.
in the county of Somerset
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