The Canons [Prebendaries] met here daily to discuss Cathedral business, but now meet only on informal occasions. The room is used for exhibitions and concerts etc.
Brass plates over each stall show the place of each man’s ‘prebend’ ie. the farm or estate from which his income was formerly derived.
Windows formerly of stained glass described in 1634 “scenes for the history of the Bible” were smashed by Cromwell’s soldiers.
It was said that the little carved heads over each stall represented characters alive at the time of building: but we never had 6 Popes and 10 Bishops at one time.
The roof is technically know as a tierceron vault. 32 ribs or tiercerons spring from the central shaft. This is not a central fan vault, but the fan vault developed from it. *
*from an signboard inside the Chapter House
I am enjoying these posts on Wells Cathedral. I’ve never been there and have long wanted to go. I love the well-worn steps here and the vault is incredible.
I hope you get the chance to visit one day
Wow, this is truly breathtaking! So beautiful.
The chapter house is impressive
I love that first photo. The gorgeous stonework, natural colours and those marvellous worn steps!
The steps add to the beauty of the place.
Those worn steps are so beautiful
I agree