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All the United Kingdom England Somerset Vicars' Close

Vicars' Close

The oldest residential street in Europe also features an optical illusion.

Somerset, England

Added By
Alan Newman
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Vicars’ Close   Adrian Channing
Vicars’ Close   Adrian Channing
Vicars’ Hall gateway.   Derek Andrews
Vicars’ Close   Mike Searl
Vicars’ Close   Lewis Clarke
Vicars’ Close   Adrian Channing
Vicars’ Close   Ian Rob
  Xavixavir / Atlas Obscura User
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About

The first houses on this attractive street, close to Wells Cathedral in Somerset, were constructed during the mid 14th century and the street was completed about a century later. The area was initially used to house a group of chantry priests. Although changes and improvements have been made over the years, the properties are still essentially the same as they were centuries ago. Almost all of the 27 houses on Vicars' Close are protected as grade 1 listed buildings. 

The street derived from a significant land grant by the canon of Wells Cathedral, Walter de Hulle. The chantry priests were supported by the rents from tenants who lived on the land. 

The road is a 460 feet (140 meters) long roadway with paved stone down its center. An optical trick created by the space between the two rows of houses makes the street look longer when standing near the main entrance. The street looks considerably shorter when viewed from the other end.

During the 12th century, the group of clergy who served the cathedral were responsible for chanting the divine service eight times a day and were known as the Vicars Choral. At the end of the street is the Vicars' Hall which housed several communal and administrative offices relating to the Vicars Choral. In particular, was a room associated with the collection of rents used to support the clergy. This hall contains a gateway that links Vicars' Close to St Andrew Street. 

To put the age of this street into context, at the beginning of its construction Henry IV was on the throne. He was the first king of England to speak English rather than Norman French.

Related Tags

Street Names History & Culture Religion Sacred Spaces

Know Before You Go

There are several other historical sites along Vicars' Close. 

Community Contributors

Added By

Dr Alan P Newman

Edited By

mikermnz, TwoSeat, Xavixavir

  • mikermnz
  • TwoSeat
  • Xavixavir

Published

March 27, 2020

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Vicars' Close
16 Vicars' Cl
Somerset, England, BA5 2UJ
United Kingdom
51.211538, -2.64373
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Nearby Places

Wells Cathedral Clock

Somerset, England

miles away

St. Peter and St. Paul's Wagon-Roof

Shepton Mallet, England

miles away

Tomb of Dion Fortune

Glastonbury, England

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Somerset

Somerset

England

Places 7
Stories 2

Nearby Places

Wells Cathedral Clock

Somerset, England

miles away

St. Peter and St. Paul's Wagon-Roof

Shepton Mallet, England

miles away

Tomb of Dion Fortune

Glastonbury, England

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Somerset

Somerset

England

Places 7
Stories 2

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