Wells Cathedral

    The assignment that follows has been written by, and is entirely the work of, Paul Reed. Wells Cathedral, Wells Somerset. –built between 1175-1490

Figure 1 West End Wells Cathedral The West End – Has an Early English Style (or Lancet Gothic) in that utilizes features reminiscent of Romanesque. There is more solid mass, low and wide than the ‘skeletal’, high attitude and searing towers that you would see a French Gothic Cathedral. There are intricate stone carved moldings and not yet the Rose Window typical of later Gothic periods. Not see in the picture above but an elaborate Tracery Lancet Windows were added in the 1400’s There are Lancet windows that are grouped in two. Again typical of the Early English Style. The West Entrance very wide. Twice the width of the Nave. Clearly limitations on space was not an issue when building this Cathedral.  

Inside Floor plan – Latin Cross

Figure 2 Wells Cathedral Floor Plan The Nave with North and South Aisles separated by Arcades (Ten Bays long) Also an East and West Trancepts, a crossing that supports the tower, Chancel, Choir, Lady Chapel and retrochoir. East End is apsidal more European stylistically than the squared off ends at Salisbury and Gloucester. Above the Arcade is Triforium rather than a Gallery below the Clerestory. Put together with the 10 Bays these features give it an emphasis on the horizontal and low

Figure 3 Cathedral showing Bays, Triforium, Clerestory and Vault Other Notable Features  The Strainer Arches are largely a functional feature added to support heavy Crossing Tower (a later addition) One needs to consider why this solution rather than a Flying Buttress or concealed buttress.  The vault above the Chancel is a later addition. The lierne patterned ribs seem purely decorative rather than strengthening. However you can see the main ribs seeming tying the roof to the walls . In the Chapter House and at the Crossing are example of Perpendicular style Fan Vaulting

Figure 4 Decorated Vault and Fan Vaulting Overall impression Like many English cathedral built over many generations it incorporates many styles over many periods. The West and East ends looks to come from different churches.

The West End a more Romanesque while the large windows and elaborate tracery of East End make it more reminiscent of Perpendicular

Figure 5 Wells Cathedral East End