The rare medieval street about to reveal its secrets

In the lush, rural landscape of Somerset, England is the cathedral city of Wells. It's an ancient place that is also home to one of Europe's oldest continually inhabited streets.

Vicars' Close was created in the mid-14th Century to be the communal home of Vicars Choral - Wells Cathedral's male choir, first founded in 1100.

Despite technically being a public road, the historic homes and buildings in the Close have remained virtually off-limits to visitors since the medieval period.

Now a new conservation project hopes to throw open some of its doors to visitors. And in the process, help save the fabric of Vicars' Close for generations to come.

Video by Howard Timberlake

23 July 2024