What makes a city a city? Technically, the presence of a cathedral makes a town into a city, so that qualifies the quiet Somerset backwater of Wells as a city. Yet thinking of Wells as a city is misleading, for this beautiful home of the Bishops of Bath and Wells has much more of a rural town or very large village about it. With only about 10,000 residents, Wells is the smallest city in England.

Wells qualifies as England's smallest and Somerset's only city, because of its magnificent cathedral. It lies beneath the southern slopes of the Mendip Hills, and provides a wealth of historical interest and beautiful architecture, while remaining a thriving business and residential community. Among its many famous features are the moated Bishop's Palace, still the residence of the Bishop of Bath and Wells. Vicars' Close claimed to be the most complete medieval street in Europe, Wells Museum and the historic Market Place.

Wells Cathedral - Probably the finest example of early English architecture (12th-14th century). Major interesting features include the magnificent West Front with over three hundred carved figures of Saints and Kings. The inverted arches of the nave which were added in 1338, to strengthen the base of the central tower, and the famous astronomical clock, one of the oldest working mechanical clocks (c 1390), when it strikes the hour mounted Knights ride into action.

Battlemented walls and a moat surround Bishop's Palace; the Palace contains imposing staterooms and is set in tranquil gardens. In the grounds are the springs from which Wells took its name.

A view of the market place [left], showing Penniless Porch (Left), the entrance to the Cathederal, and the Bishop's Eye (Right), the route to the Bishop's Palace. Both were built by Bishop Bekynton in the first half of the 15th Century.

Vicar's Close is a street of picturesque 14th century houses originally built to house the cathedral clergy, it is claimed to be the oldest complete street of its kind in Europe. Wells Museum - In a Tudor building close to the cathedral, the museum exhibits illustrate the history, archaeology, geology and wildlife of the Wells and Mendip Hills area.

Wookey Hole Caves
www.wookey.co.uk
The great caves of Wookey Hole have been famous since Roman times. Carved out by the mysterious river Axe, the caverns penetrate deep into the beautiful Mendip Hill; some have yet to be explored.

Wookey Hole Papermill
www.wookey.co.uk
For almost 400 years skilled craftsmen have been producing fine quality handmade paper at Wookey Hole Papermill, reaching a peak under the ownership of the Hodgkinson family at the turn of this century. Discover how paper is made and buy direct from the factory