The Old Deanery, Wells

The Old Deanery of Wells Cathedral in Wells, Somerset, England, dates from the 12th century. Along with the gatehouse and boundary walls has been designated as a Grade I listed building.[1][2][3][4] It was used as the primary residence for the Dean of the Cathedral (who enjoyed a short commute across the city green) between the years 1230 and 1958, after which it became office and the administrative centre for the Diocese of Bath and Wells until 2020, when the building was placed up for sale.[5] As of 2022 the building is now under private ownership, and is a private residence.[6]

The Old Deanery
The Gatehouse of The Old Deanery
LocationWells, Somerset, England
Coordinates51°12′35″N 2°38′21″W
Built12th century
Listed Building – Grade I
Designated12 November 1952[1]
Reference no.483309

The 12th-century building, on Cathedral Green was largely rebuilt in the late 15th century by Dean Gunthorpe. It was further remodelled and the south range refenestrated by Dean Bathurst in the late 17th century.[1] The two storey south front of the building looking out over the green to the cathedral has six bays which contain 17th century sash windows.[4]

It is no longer the home of the Dean and served as offices for the Diocese of Bath and Wells and provided a resource centre for Christian Education for the diocese.[7] Extensive rebuilding work since 1989 has included the insertion of an oak staircase and addition of a first floor above the education department.[8] The diocesan offices were moved out of the Old Deanery and in 2020 the building was placed up for sale.[9]

William Turner when he was dean between 1551 and 1568, established a herb garden.[10][11][12] The garden was recreated between 2003 and 2010.[13][14]

In April 2022, a bid was accepted for the property from a private buyer, and in September 2022 a planning permission application was submitted to return the building to private residential use.[15] As of March 2023 this planning application was approved, and the building is, once again, a private residence.[6]

See also

References
  1. Historic England. "The Old Deanery, Wells (1382906)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 13 January 2009.
  2. Historic England. "Gatehouse and south boundary wall to the Old Deanery, Wells (1382908)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 13 January 2009.
  3. Historic England. "Old Deanery Court, with link wall along east side The Old Deanery, Wells (1382907)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 13 January 2009.
  4. Historic England. "The Old Deanery (1382906)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 22 September 2016.
  5. "A remarkable historic Deanery in the heart of Wells has launched onto the market — and you won't believe the price". Country Life. Retrieved 16 March 2022.
  6. "Planning Application Summary". Mendip District Council. Retrieved 2 March 2023.
  7. "The Resource Centre". Diocese of Bath and Wells. Retrieved 22 September 2016.
  8. "Wells, The Old Deanery". Beech Tyldesley. Retrieved 22 September 2016.
  9. Sherwood, Harriet (29 November 2020). "Church plan to sell deanery 'puts profit before community'". The Guardian. Retrieved 29 November 2020.
  10. The Diocese of Bath and Wells (2013). "The Old Deanery Garden, Wells". olddeanerygarden.org.uk. Archived from the original on 26 July 2013. Retrieved 23 November 2013.
  11. Adler, Mark (May 2010). "Haunt of ancient peace". Mendip Times. pp. 36–37.
  12. Pavey, Ruth (26 August 2016). "Away day: A Tudor botanist and religious dissenter's garden". Ham & High. Retrieved 22 September 2016.
  13. "History". The Old Deanery Garden. Retrieved 22 September 2016.
  14. "Garden hidden behind Old Deanery wall on Wells Cathedral Green will open to public". Western Daily Press. Somerset Live. 25 June 2012. Retrieved 22 September 2016.
  15. "The Old Deanery could become a home again - and other planning news from in and around Wells". Wells Nub News. Retrieved 20 September 2022.
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