St. Cuthbert’s Church
The Church of St Cuthbert is the City’s Anglican parish church. It is such an impressive building that first time visitors to Wells frequently mistake it for the Cathedral. Fittingly, it is a Grade I listed building.
Accessibility Rating: 4/5
Visit Length: 10-20 minutes
“Even if you just pop in to see the amazing ceiling, you will not be disappointed. Supplying a mirror table on wheels to allow comfortable viewing is a great idea.”
Brian Clarke, wheelchair user
The origins of the building date back to the 13th Century, from which the arcade pillars survive. A number of alterations have taken place over the centuries, including the building of the current tower to replace a tower that is presumed to have collapsed in around 1561.
The current tower also has a more modern claim to fame in the feature film Hot Fuzz, when Adam Buxton’s character is killed by a falling pinnacle from the church tower. This scene was most likely inspired by the early 1970s lightning strike that caused a pinnacle to fall through the nave roof.
The church is open from 10.00 am to 4.00 pm every day, so everyone can enjoy its many mediaeval and historic features, including:
- Remains of the 13th century reredos on the east wall north transept (St Catherine’s Chapel), rediscovered in 1848
- Another stone reredos dating from 1470, based on the Tree of Jesse theme, in the Lady Chapel in The south transept
- The superbly carved and beautifully painted ceiling in the nave. This was originally built in the 15C and restored and recoloured in 1963. A table mirror on castors is available to allow visitors a more comfortable viewing angle of this spectacle
- A carved wood pulpit from 1636, with an elaborate stair and the carved coats of arms of Charles I, and Charles II.
St. Cuthbert’s is committed to inclusivity and a disabled toilet is available for visitors during opening hours.
