Saturday 11 July 2015

Five on Friday ~ A Girls trip to Wells

Hello Bloggy Folks!  I hope you are well and enjoying some relaxing time in the sunshine.

My week has been consumed with visits to Doctors, blood tests, visits to hospital, steroid injections and lots of bed rest so I thought I would share with you a few photos that I took during a visit to Wells with Little Lady a couple of weeks ago.

Amongst my favourite moments were:

#1  Quaint Stone Houses


There are various quaint stone, terraced cottages leading in to the centre of this city.  They are so cute with low front doors and smaller than average sash windows.  There are no straight lines and in my view this adds to their charm.  There are a number of Alms Houses too that remain simply stunning now.

According to the Wells Tourist Information:

"The history of Wells goes right back to Roman times when we know that there was a settlement, probably because of the springs that bubble up here. Wells gets its name from these springs which can today be found in the gardens of the Bishop's Palace".

Such English heritage in these walls.., if only they could speak and tell us their stories.

#2  This Wall did speak to me


As my daughter voiced her frustration "Please Mummy; can you just stop taking photos now?"  I noticed this stone laid into the masonry of a corner store.  I love that historically being a dealer in 'Pepper and Snuff' was important enough to be flagged on a stone plaque.  A moment in history captured.

#3  St.Cuthberts Church


 

Apparently, this is the largest parish church building in Somerset.  As we passed on the Sunday morning, the choir and congregation were singing and could be heard from the street.  It was so lovely and uplifting.  The stone work in this church is very detailed and the original building dates from the 13th century.  It states in the information leaflet that the church often gets confused as Wells Cathedral by tourists because it is so decorative and ornate - a real visual treat.  

#4  This Door!


I fell in love with this wonderful little original door with its stone carved frame and carefully shaped oak front.  I tried to get Little Lady to stand in the doorway for scale but due to the aforementioned comment and the whole fact that Mummy's can be soooo embarrassing with their cameras... I failed.

However, the door reminded me of a Hobbit home.  So cute and short in stature.  Even myself at 5ft 2 would have to stoop to get through (another reason to love it from my perspective!)


Wells Cathedral and Castle are enormous in stature and very impressive!  In the fore ground you can see a traffic warden - he had already given two cars tickets when we arrived.  This is normally the marketplace for the city and usually bustles with thriving stalls and people.  I was surprised but secretly happy that many of the shops were closed on a Sunday.  Many are small independent shops which remained closed - only larger chain stores were open.  Whilst there is a discussion ongoing in England concerning longer opening hours on a Sunday I was happy to see that most of these independent stores had their day of rest.

Whilst we didn't explore the Cathedral and Castle on this occasion, they dominate the skyline of the main street.  Wells is "the smallest city in England with about 12,000 inhabitants. It can call itself a city because of the famous 13th century Cathedral".  It has a lovely market town feel - not at all like the larger cities I've visited and was perfect for some quality chatty time with Little Lady.

We have one week left of school here before the Summer holidays start.  We are all on count down and simply cannot wait for this valuable time to come!  I have another course of 3 weeks of steroids so am hopeful that my health will be at its optimum for managing this time too.  I do so hope you are all enjoying whatever makes you happy!!!  

Today I'm delighted to be joining in with Amy's Five on Friday Linky party!

Take care until next time, 
J9 x

10 comments:

  1. This is such a lovely place you have shared with us. I too love the history; as you said if only the walls could talk. I'm sure you had a fabulous day out with your daughter. Enjoy your weekend. Pat xx

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  2. What wonderful photos of historic Wells. I would adore getting to visit there someday. I enjoyed my visit via your blog post! Hope you feel better soon.

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  3. Wells is a beautiful place isn't it! Looks as though you enjoyed it to the full. I hope that the steroids do their thing and that you will be able to enjoy a great summer holiday with the children and not be toooooo embarrassing with your camera!! Thank you so much as always for joining in. I hope that you are having a great weekend! xx

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  4. I spent a lovely time there a couple of years ago, staying in a hotel directly opposite the cathedral. We arrived in the Saturday and enjoyed the market, then went to Sunday morning prayers in the cathedral. It was a magical little city.

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  5. Wells is gorgeous isn't it. There's a street around the back of the Cathedral (Vicars' Close) that's well worth a visit. It's the oldest complete residential street in Europe, and dates from the 14th Century. It's beautiful, I think you'd love it, if you haven't seen it already. I'm counting down the time to the school holidays as well. I do hope that the steriods do their job and that you have a good summer. CJ xx

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  6. Thank you for a fascinating tour of Wells. Your buildings have so much character. So many places are quick to replace old buildings with modern ones without regard to historical significance or the character of the neighbourhood. I am sorry that you have been so busy with medical appointments. I am glad you had your happy memories of your Wells walk to lift your spirit and I hope the timing of your treatment will give you the energy to enjoy the school holidays.

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  7. It looks like a lovely place to visit, I hope your medication is working for you so you can enjoy the school holidays at their best! x

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  8. You took us on a wonderful stroll, what a beautiful place to visit. Hope the steroids are making you feel a little more comfortable and you have a great summer break.

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  9. Looks like a wonderful place to visit hope you are feeling better soon.
    Clare x

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  10. I used to visit Wells a lot as a child. It was perfect for a family Sunday outing, as it's not too far from Bristol. The last time I was there, I lost Alfie. He decided to hide in a bush, and watched me for at least half an hour. I was just about to let out an hysterical scream, and call the police, when he 'ta-da'd' his whereabouts. We laugh about it now.....
    I have been really enjoying connecting with you through IG, but am so glad to be able to blog and read the blogs of others again!
    Leanne xx

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