An iconic UK street is on the brink of decay without urgent investment. In Somerset, two stunning medieval terraced houses stand next to Wells Cathedral, having been there for over 650 years, as reports the Express.
These homes are occupied by choir singers who perform at the Cathedral, and to preserve this integral part of local heritage, the street urgently requires restoration. Matthew Minter, 52, a resident of the close for nearly seven years and a singer in the cathedral, expressed his love for the area, saying: “It’s a privilege to live here – it’s a unique place.”
However, Mr Minter highlighted several issues with his home, including coldness, heat loss through windows, and a leaking roof.
The Somerset cathedral has been actively fundraising to maintain the Grade-1 listed terraces, with plans for re-roofing, new insulation, improved drainage, wall conservation, and joinery repairs. They aim to enhance public access by opening up two houses and establishing a visitor centre to celebrate the area’s history, reports the Express.
Wells Cathedral is located at the end of the street
(Image: (Image: Getty Images))
The cathedral’s preservation efforts have been bolstered by a £4.4m grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and £1.9m from other contributors, but more funds are needed to complete the £7m project.
The cathedral’s dean, Toby Wright, warned that if the houses deteriorate further, the singers would be forced to relocate, stating: “The roofs are failing. The guttering is failing. The windows are failing. If we don’t look after this treasure, we’re going to lose it. The stakes are that high.”
The street earned the name Vicars’ Close as it has historically been home to the choir’s vicars—singers who cover altos, tenors, and basses. It features homes explicitly designed for choir members within cathedral grounds, built back in 1348 as a safeguard against worldly temptations.
Moreover, a bridge was constructed in 1459 to enable the choristers to travel from their abodes to the cathedral without mingling with the general populace. Locals now pin their hopes on increased fundraising efforts to ensure necessary restorations are carried out.
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