An iconic street in the UK could face falling into ruin if it doesn’t get the investment it needs soon.
In Somerset, two beautiful terraced medieval houses sit beside Wells Cathedral where they have been for over 650 years, reports The Guardian.
The houses are inhabited by choir singers who sing at the Cathedral but to save this wholesome part of the area’s history, the street is in desperate need of restoration.
Matthew Minter, 52, has lived in the close for almost seven years and sings in the cathedral, he said: “It’s a privilege to live here – it’s a unique place.”
Mr Minter spoke of issues with the house – he said it is cold, the windows let out heat and the roof leaks.
The Somerset cathedral has been fundraising to protect the deteriorating fabric of the Grade-1 listed terraces, including re-roofing, new insulation, drainage improvements to prevent water damage, wall conservation and joinery repairs.
It wants to improve public access by permanently opening up two houses and creating a visitor centre to share the history of the area with visitors.
The cathedral’s campaign to save the close has received a £4.4m grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and £1.9m from other donors – but it needs more to complete the £7m project.
The cathedral’s dean, Toby Wright, says the singers would have to move out if the houses were allowed to fall into disrepair: “The roofs are failing. The guttering is failing.
“The windows are failing. If we don’t look after this treasure, we’re going to lose it. The stakes are that high.”
The street is known as Vicars’ Close because the singers, who provide the altos, tenors and basses of the choir, were once called vicars.
These homes were purpose built for choir members on the cathedral grounds in 1348 to reduce risks of temptation from the outside world.
A bridge was added in 1459 so the choir members could get from their homes to the cathedral without encountering locals.
Locals hope the area can be saved with more money raised for the restorations.
