architecture

1. BASIC INFORMATION
•Location: Wells
•Full name: Cathedral Church of St. Andrew
•County: Somerset
•Country: England
WELLS CATHEDRAL
BUILDING INFORMATION
•Dates built: 1176–1490
•Architectural style: Gothic (Early English)
•Length: 116.7 m (383 ft)
•Length (nave: 49.1 m (161 ft)
•Length (choir): 31.4 m (103 ft)
•Width across transepts: 41.1 m (135 ft)
•Width (nave): 11.5 m (38 ft)
24.9 m (82 ft) including aisles
•Height (nave): 20.4 m (67 ft)
•Height (choir): 20.4 m (67 ft)
•Towers: 3
•Tower height(s): 48.7 m (160 ft) (crossing)

2. Wells Cathedral is a Church of England cathedral in Wells,
Somerset, England. It is the seat of the Bishop of Bath and Wells,
who lives at the adjacent Bishop's Palace.
Built between 1175 and 1490, Wells Cathedral has been
described as “the most poetic of the English Cathedrals. Much
of the structure is in the Early English style and is greatly
enriched by the deeply sculptural nature of the mouldings and
the vitality of the carved capitals in a foliate style known as “stiff
leaf”.
The eastern end has retained much original glass, which is rare in
England. The exterior has a splendid Early English façade and a
large central tower.

3. The ceiling of Wells Cathedral
The present structure was begun
under the direction of Bishop
Reginald de Bohun, who died in
1184. Wells Cathedral dates
primarily from the late 12th
century and early 13th century; the
nave and transept are examples of
the Early English style of
architecture. It was largely
complete at the time of its
dedication in 1239. The choir
aisles are home to numerous old
tombs and some fine rib vaulting.

4. The Chapter House steps – dating to 1306.
The inverted arch in Wells Cathedral, in 2006.

5. Plan, showing the four massive piers of the crossing (centre),
the octagonal chapter house (top) and the extended east end (right).

6. The interior of the cathedral is based on three aisles, with stress
being placed on horizontal, rather than vertical lines. A unique
feature in the crossing are the double pointed inverted arches,
known as owl-eyed strainer arches.
Stained glass at the eastern end
Wells Cathedral contains one of the most substantial
collections of medieval stained glass in England.

7. LIBRARY
The cathedral is also famous for its library, which was built in the
mid-15th century. Located over the East Cloister, the library holds
the Chapter's collection in two rooms.
The collection's core subject is theology, but science, medicine,
history, exploration and languages are also well-represented. The
library is open to the public at appointed times during summer, with
a small exhibition of documents and books.
The north transept is home to an astronomical clock (1390), with
jousting knights that charge each other every quarter-hour. The
scene is announced by a figure called Jack Blandiver, who kicks a
couple of bells from his seat high up on the right.