Vicars’ Close, Wells Cathedral: Archaeology and Heritage Support for an Internationally Significant Conservation Project
AS Archaeology was selected as the sole archaeology and heritage consultant for the Vicars’ Close Project at Wells Cathedral, a nationally and internationally significant conservation programme focused on one of Europe’s most remarkable medieval streets.
Our appointment reflects the requirement for specialist archaeological and historic building expertise on a complex, highly sensitive, and exceptionally important heritage site. More than 650 years after its construction, Vicars’ Close remains occupied by the successors of the original Vicars Choral of Wells Cathedral, making it the oldest complete medieval street in Europe still used for its original purpose.
AS Archaeology was commissioned to prepare a Written Scheme of Investigation (WSI) / Project Design for the Vicars’ Close Conservation Management Plan, Initial Delivery Phase. The WSI establishes the archaeological and historic building recording methodologies that will be implemented throughout the conservation programme, which is scheduled to commence in 2025 and continue for an estimated two to three years.
Scope of Works
Our work includes:
- Preparation of a Written Scheme of Investigation (WSI) / Project Design
- Archaeological monitoring and recording
- Historic Building Recording
- Historic England Level 4 recording for key properties
- Historic England Level 1 recording for remaining properties
- Recording of exposed below-ground masonry elevations
- Archaeological observation of drainage and service installation works
- Liaison with the client and heritage stakeholders
- Reporting, archiving, and Historic Environment Record (HER) submission
- Preparation of project archives and records to support future publication and long-term project legacy
The WSI specifies Historic England Level 4 Historic Building Recording for Nos. 12, 22 and 27 Vicars’ Close, alongside Level 1 recording for the remaining properties. The programme also includes archaeological monitoring and recording of French drain installation and associated drainage works, ensuring that any previously concealed archaeological or architectural evidence is appropriately documented.
Project Information
Project: Vicars’ Close Project, Wells Cathedral
Location: Vicars’ Close, Wells, Somerset
Client: Wells Cathedral
Project Type: Conservation Management Plan and Heritage Conservation Project
Site Significance: Grade I listed medieval residential street associated with Wells Cathedral and the Vicars Choral
AS Archaeology Role: Sole archaeology and heritage consultant
Services Provided: Written Scheme of Investigation, archaeological monitoring and recording, Historic Building Recording, reporting, archiving, and HER submission
Project Duration: Initial delivery phase commencing in 2025 and continuing for an estimated two to three years
Key Recording Levels: Historic England Level 4 recording for Nos. 12, 22 and 27 Vicars’ Close; Level 1 recording for the remaining properties.