News and Updates

Originally called Wet Lane and subsequently Water Lane, this finally became Broad Street when widened.

Guardhouse Lane is named after an eighteenth-century guardhouse used to house Napoleonic prisoners-of-war.

St John Street and Southover was the main entry to Wells from Glastonbury named after the Priory of the Hospital of St John the Baptist.

The High Street dates from the 12th Century, with King John granting the right to hold a weekly market and five annual fairs.

From the mid 13th century Sadler Street has been the main entry to the city from the north.

Bekynton's New Works (1451-2) form the northern side of the Market Place, and the water fountain replaces a medieval conduit built in 1451.