FOR the first time in 650 years, the public will be able to see round a number of historic properties in a Somerset street.
A series of events is planned to celebrate Vicars' Close, in Wells, the oldest street in Europe, with construction started in 1348.
Wells Cathedral has received a National Lottery Heritage Fund grant to develop plans to conserve the unique architectural heritage of the site and open certain buildings to the public between May 30 and June 10.
The Discovering Vicars’ Close programme will include opportunities to learn about its history and the project, and to share ideas for interpretation and future activities.
Guided tours will allow access to special, previously unseen spaces in the Close.
Events include a talk on medieval garden design and a dusk bat walk. During half term there will be children’s workshops with themes relating to the Close.
The Cathedral archivist will host visits to the archives including the original Charter signed by Edward III and a letter from the court of Elizabeth I asking to return one of the Vicars Choral who had been on loan; apparently, his voice had broken and he had started to eat too much.
Crystal Johnson, project manager, said: "Vicars’ Close is a truly amazing place with an incredible history.
"This is an opportunity to not only see behind the scenes and find out about our project plans, but also to share ideas and thoughts about what you would like for the Close in the future."
A second stage application to the National Lottery Heritage Fund will be submitted later this year for £3.3million to enable the conservation of all buildings in the Close and the development of new visitor spaces to share and celebrate its heritage.
Ahead of and during the events in May and June, residents and visitors can complete a survey at www.wellscathedral.org.uk/vicarsclose to help inform the plans for a new visitor experience at Vicars’ Close.
Anyone completing the survey will be entered in a draw to win two gold tier tickets worth £100 to this year’s Carols by Candlelight concerts in the Cathedral.
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