If we do not take care of this treasure, we will lose it. The fight to restore one of Britain's most historic streets | legacy

Choir singers have lived on the stunning terraces of two medieval houses of silvery-pink stone next to Wells Cathedral for more than 650 years. But the gated gate, considered the most complete and continuously inhabited medieval street in Europe, is now in desperate need of restoration.

Matthew Minter, 52, who has lived here for almost seven years and sings at the cathedral, said he had the privilege of living in this unique place. but [the house] cold. Every time I turn on the heating, 10 knots of water leaks from the windows and actual water leaks from the roof.

Somerset Cathedral has been raising funds to save the deteriorating fabric of its Grade I listed terrace, including re-roofing, new insulation, improved drainage to prevent water damage, wall preservation and furniture repairs. They also want to improve public accessibility by permanently opening two houses and creating a visitor center, as many tourists pass by this street without realizing that it is one of Europe's greatest medieval wonders.

So far the campaign to end the cathedral has received $4.4 million in grants from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and $1.9 million from other donors. But the campaign still needs almost 800,000 people to complete the 7m project, which began in the summer and is scheduled to run over the past four years.

Toby Wright, dean of the cathedral, warns the singers will have to move if their house is damaged. The roof is collapsing. Drains are failing. Windows doesn't work. If we do not take care of this treasure, we will lose it. The risk is that high.

Toby Wright, Dean of Wells Cathedral, hopes to not only renovate Vicars Close but also open it to the public. Photo: Karen Robinson/The Observer

It is the presence of choir members over the centuries that gives the final piece its unique character. It's really amazing [street] Wright says that's because it's still used for its original purpose, beckoning singers down the street from their homes. It is also internationally unique.

This street is known as Vicars Close because the alto, tenor and bass singers of the choir were once called Vicars. They originally stayed in the village, but one of Wright's ancestors, Bishop Ralph, moved them in 1348 to a specially built house on the cathedral site to prevent them from succumbing to worldly temptations.

In 1459, a bridge was added to enable choir members to get from their homes to the cathedral without meeting locals. They started having a problem called urinary incontinence, which meant having sex with women. so [the cathedral] Wright says the bridge was built so people wouldn't have to go outside to stay safe.

Vicars Close, Wells. Photo: Karen Robinson/The Observer

Singers used to eat in a communal hall overlooking the street, which will be opened as part of the project. They now have their own kitchens, but the nearby area remains a convivial community. They party regularly, Wright said with a laugh. There was one the other night.

This street reflects the twists and turns of British history. The original house was created for single men and consisted of only two rooms. High chimneys and aqueducts were added in the 15th century. After the Reformation, most were demolished to provide more living space for wives and children.

It remains a living street rather than a museum exhibition. Outside one house, an Amazon package is waiting to be picked up. Recycling bags and boxes are stacked next to other things. However, the place is still very much influenced by its past. Residents do not own or rent their homes in the cathedral. It's a gracious house where we don't pay rent, but it's part of our package, explains Minter. The salary we receive is pocket money.

Skip past newsletter promotions

Analysis and opinions on the week's news and culture from top Observer writers

Privacy Policy: Our newsletter may contain information about charities, online advertising and externally funded content. Please see our privacy policy for more details. We use Google reCaptcha to secure our website, which is subject to the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.

After newsletter promotion

Vicars Close, Wells. Photo: Karen Robinson/The Observer

The project will also open a singer's chapel located at one end of the finish. You can tour some previously hidden parts of the building, including the almost untouched medieval treasury and records offices, accessible only through camouflaged doors and a narrow spiral staircase.

Wright said the stairs lead you into the treasury, which he said was his favorite part of the entire cathedral. It was so untouched. While the cathedral is absolutely magnificent and continues to undergo stages of renewal, restoration and development, this is a step back in time.

But more money is needed to fully secure the street's future and reveal its secrets to the wider public. Wright says there are still 800,000 left. We want this place to capture people's imagination and invest in making what we have to do in the future a living reality.

Back on the streets, Minter is excited to be able to sing in the choir again after a period of absence due to illness. He is still inspired by the last uninterrupted history. It is incredible to walk in the footsteps of our ancestors and feel that we are playing such a wonderful role.

What Are The Main Benefits Of Comparing Car Insurance Quotes Online

LOS ANGELES, CA / ACCESSWIRE / June 24, 2020, / Compare-autoinsurance.Org has launched a new blog post that presents the main benefits of comparing multiple car insurance quotes. For more info and free online quotes, please visit https://compare-autoinsurance.Org/the-advantages-of-comparing-prices-with-car-insurance-quotes-online/ The modern society has numerous technological advantages. One important advantage is the speed at which information is sent and received. With the help of the internet, the shopping habits of many persons have drastically changed. The car insurance industry hasn't remained untouched by these changes. On the internet, drivers can compare insurance prices and find out which sellers have the best offers. View photos The advantages of comparing online car insurance quotes are the following: Online quotes can be obtained from anywhere and at any time. Unlike physical insurance agencies, websites don't have a specific schedule and they are available at any time. Drivers that have busy working schedules, can compare quotes from anywhere and at any time, even at midnight. Multiple choices. Almost all insurance providers, no matter if they are well-known brands or just local insurers, have an online presence. Online quotes will allow policyholders the chance to discover multiple insurance companies and check their prices. Drivers are no longer required to get quotes from just a few known insurance companies. Also, local and regional insurers can provide lower insurance rates for the same services. Accurate insurance estimates. Online quotes can only be accurate if the customers provide accurate and real info about their car models and driving history. Lying about past driving incidents can make the price estimates to be lower, but when dealing with an insurance company lying to them is useless. Usually, insurance companies will do research about a potential customer before granting him coverage. Online quotes can be sorted easily. Although drivers are recommended to not choose a policy just based on its price, drivers can easily sort quotes by insurance price. Using brokerage websites will allow drivers to get quotes from multiple insurers, thus making the comparison faster and easier. For additional info, money-saving tips, and free car insurance quotes, visit https://compare-autoinsurance.Org/ Compare-autoinsurance.Org is an online provider of life, home, health, and auto insurance quotes. This website is unique because it does not simply stick to one kind of insurance provider, but brings the clients the best deals from many different online insurance carriers. In this way, clients have access to offers from multiple carriers all in one place: this website. On this site, customers have access to quotes for insurance plans from various agencies, such as local or nationwide agencies, brand names insurance companies, etc. "Online quotes can easily help drivers obtain better car insurance deals. All they have to do is to complete an online form with accurate and real info, then compare prices", said Russell Rabichev, Marketing Director of Internet Marketing Company. CONTACT: Company Name: Internet Marketing CompanyPerson for contact Name: Gurgu CPhone Number: (818) 359-3898Email: [email protected]: https://compare-autoinsurance.Org/ SOURCE: Compare-autoinsurance.Org View source version on accesswire.Com:https://www.Accesswire.Com/595055/What-Are-The-Main-Benefits-Of-Comparing-Car-Insurance-Quotes-Online View photos