See how Chain Gate, Wells, Somerset changed between 1840 and 2026. Drag the slider to compare the historic photograph with the modern view.
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Constructed around 1460 for Bishop Thomas Beckington, the Chain Gate in Wells, Somerset, was designed to provide the Vicars Choral with direct access between the cathedral and Vicars' Close, facilitating their entry for services and meetings without exposure to the public or inclement weather. (en.wikipedia.org) This two-storey structure, built from Doulting stone ashlar with a Welsh slate roof, features a wagon gate flanked by pedestrian gates on the lower level, and an upper-level passageway connecting the cathedral's Chapter House to Vicars' Close. (en.wikipedia.org) An undated sketch by Henry Edridge from the late 18th or early 19th century depicts the gate with a taller wall alongside the road approaching it, indicating changes in the surrounding architecture over time. (en.wikipedia.org) Today, the Chain Gate remains a Grade I listed building, serving as a testament to the architectural ingenuity of the 15th century and the historical significance of Wells Cathedral. (en.wikipedia.org)
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