The Secrets Of Wells Cathedral | The First Gothic Cathedral In England

[@seamasrigh2162]

Alice Loxton is a truly engaging, enthusiastic historian and presenter. I am always thrilled to watch her work. Simply champion..

[@mrbaker7443]

Historienne? 😉

[@triffidgrower]

I would love to see this Cathedral, without Doubt...

[@mandybaker5212]

I’m lucky enough to live nearby and it’s spectacular. I used to be a docent at Westminster Abbey, and Wells is second only to that.

[@noscwoh1]

I see what you did there, and I wholly agree.

[@zacnutting3141]

It’s really incredible!! I lived in Wells most of my childhood and it’s a really lovely little city. Englands smallest city too!!

[@so_phster]

The Doubt installation has recently been taken down

[@triffidgrower]

@@so_phster Doubtless, for the better.

[@lisakilmer2667]

Do whatever you can, History Hit, to keep Ms. Loxton. She's engaging, lighthearted and informative.

[@christysmith1058]

Was lucky enough to visit one evening many years ago. It was almost empty except for my family and a verger who offered to give us a tour of the cathedral and grounds when he observed how truly enthralled we were. It was magical.

[@skippee101]

Love Alice Loxton as a presenter. She’s so enthusiastic and relevant in her coverage to the modern way of thinking. I’ve found myself binge watching this playlist because she’s kept my interest the whole way through episode after episode.

[@Stringer13ell]

Who the f is she?

[@lacritzer3070]

Wells Cathedral is one of those places that you could spend years exploring and still see something new.

[@richardthompson9836]

Alice, you are a true gem. You bring me much happiness every time I see you. Makes this old boy in Orlando wish he were young again and exploring the history of my UK heratige as I did in my youth. Thank you so very much.

[@nybe]

Alice's utter enthusiasm always puts me in a good mood... so fun!

[@erickentroller4132]

First I will say something positive. Great video! Videos like this remind me why I love history so much. Because it was real, with real people. It's shown in how people left their names scratched in the tomb Bishop Beckington to the random faces, expressions and life situations shown in the architecture of Wells Cathedral. And what a Cathedral! Yet another surprising gem of beautiful architectural craft that took hundreds of years to create. I love how history has provided so many examples of this throughout the world and especially Europe. Now the negative... If the aim of the sculpture "doubt" was to invoke disgust I think it has achieved that aim, on many levels. A good representation of how modern art and architecture is, for the most part, terrible.

[@frankparsons1629]

Yes exactly, damned travesty to stick that heap of rust on such a venerable building, there might be a time and place for everything, BUT NOT THERE, disgraceful decision by the Chapter (hang your heads in shame).

[@joeknightley6919]

I think the sculpture is an.... interesting idea let's say? The concept itself is quite brilliant, and I think the explanation given by the artist makes an important point. The execution however looks like something from a scrapyard.

[@LondonRaider75]

Happy to say the hideous Gormless monstrosity has been removed

[@erickentroller4132]

@@LondonRaider75 Really?! Oh, thank god 😅

[@ARC_VR]

Alice Loxton is an absolute marvel. You're right on target History Hit! I loved watching this!

[@danielanimal]

Hooray for Alice! She’s the greatest, most enthusiastic host on History Hit! More of her please.

[@patriciaholtkamp3342]

Am a huge fan of Alice Loxton. Her narration and knowledge is outstanding. She explains so well, History Hit is so informative, am 80+ and still have a great thirst for History. Absolutely gem !

[@charlesmassie2061]

The commentators on History Hits must be among the best in the UK . Never fail to interest. A big thank you to Ms Loxton for Wells.

[@mindygracebickerdike]

As a life long resident, you'd be more than welcome to visit. We also have two beautiful churches St. Cuthberts and St Thomas. The later being a Victorian gotic, in keeping with the rest of our city. As for the for the former, go in and look up! We have Market day on Wednesday & Saturday, always popular & busy. A wealth of independent local shops as well as chain brand store. And our own independent, family run 3 screen cinema (just celebrated their 30th anniversary 2021), opposite the bus station in Princes Road.

[@samEg1999]

Alice has smashed it again. Absolute favourite, loved this video

[@tamaracarter1836]

Exquisite medieval architecture! Beautiful cathedral, city and countryside. Love this channel so much ❤️

[@huxleybobo]

Alice Loxton is a brilliant presenter, she should be given keys to every Castle, Cathederal, Great House and Keep in the Kingdom. 10/10

[@N_0968]

Fascinating! I love the host, she’s suitably excited about her subject.

[@stevecochrane5376]

Alice Loxton, my wee bonnie lassie, you are such a wonderful reason to keep coming back to this channel . Thank you for all you share.

[@mariashelly6392]

This lady does a delightful job.

[@artysanmobile]

The craftsmanship is mind boggling. Thank you for bringing me within touching distance of history. Wonderfully done.

[@vickypedias]

This new presenter is AMAZING!!!! Great jokes, valuable information interspersed at perfect pacing, can feel the excitement about the subject exuding, just wonderful, I hope Alice does loads more of these!! 23:05 the bit about Timo had me in stitches

[@joyceeleanor2]

I really would love to visit Wells. Thank you. Joyce

[@RighteousReverendDynamite]

TIMO!!!!!

[@jimmeltonbradley1497]

My son and I once sang there in an Evensong service, as a member of my local church choir. Great acoustics in a beautiful setting.

[@doogalloonni]

Alice, is my very Favorite Tour Guide. A real treasure.

[@Jmp5nb]

Alice Liston shares the historical details with an infectious enthusiasm that displays her subjects in the best light! Thanks!

[@tinakon4386]

love it! love Alice - very good presentation.

[@kariannecrysler640]

Bless your brave little heart ❤️ Alice!!! What an amazing & terrifying experience.👍 Wells truly has a gem in the cathedral and it’s unique treasures. Thank you so much for the personal tour. I absolutely adore seeing the places, but you bring them to life!😊💚🍀

[@diunitedkingdom7302]

Alice has made me want to revisit this beautiful place again! Kinder editing and lingering camera shots would compliment this brave presenter; I watched it on .75x which was more comfortable.

[@ToughLuckStudiosInc]

Alice has a way of capturing your attention and holding it there the entire time. Great presenter and a great mini doc! Keep them coming please!

[@MauraVH]

Alice is such a lovely presenter. I’ve always wanted to abseil off an old cathedral so I’m very jealous! Absolutely hate the trend of incorporating modern art to station permanently on historic buildings - nothing wrong with a temporary exhibition but if I were an artist there is no way that my ego would be big enough to think “yeah this collection of square blocks would look perfect permanently affixed to a 500+ year old building"

[@curiousworld7912]

I was so happy to see this pop-up in my notifications - Wells has always been my favorite Gothic cathedral. Your video showed me things I wasn't aware of, and that only adds more to my admiration. One thing that's always struck me about Wells; the West facade's unique design seems, somehow, both extravagant and humble. While it lacks little in ornamentation, or even sound design; the entryways are scaled far more to human size, differing from the very large, almost cavernous, entries in other cathedrals. It also seems geared more to the horizontal, than to the vertical. There are so many marvelous aspects of Wells (the forced perspective in the row of townhouses stands out), which you've very nicely covered. As to the sculpture/statue of 'Doubt'; I completely agree with the sentiment, but I'm not particularly crazy about the execution. (Just my opinion.) Thanks! :)

[@gerry343]

I never cease to be amazed at the amount of detail in the stonework on these cathedrals. From ground level most would be invisible, but I suppose it was done for the glory of God.

[@MsVanorak]

i'd have been happy if a drone looked at them one by one and the show was an hour long!

[@persimonsen8792]

The french ones, are equally impressive. And there are loads of them..

[@aib0160]

Now I know where the term "remove all doubt" comes from. I agree with the locals, it's hideous!

[@williamrobinson7435]

Alice's singing is truly remarkable! I would never have thought she could have such a voice. The abseiling was also most diverting, as were the secular scenes depicted in the statuary. Oop north there are of course loadsa Norman Gothic edifices, some of which have miserecords depicting such delights as 'man trying to sell small pig to woman whilst other man tries to look up her dress' and such. The 'sea of stairs' is a thing I would like to see for myself. Nice one Alice! 🌟👍

[@sharonwhiteley6510]

You realize the host wasn't singing. It was a male's voice.

[@rowiestar5742]

@@sharonwhiteley6510 you realise their original comment was a joke?

[@jonathanbonsey6228]

I don’t think that is her voice…

[@Nicklafuego]

Lol

[@carola.h.5689]

Please make more videos with Alice! She is incredible and a delight to watch!!!

[@mheuman]

Thank you, Alice for the informative and fun tour! You are delightful and knowledgeable.

[@HistoryHit]

You are so welcome!

[@joeblogs4701]

A nice tour Alice, thank you. And yes that 'modern' statue is a hideous insult to a beautiful building. I have thought for many years that there should be a law allowing a set group size of people to demand the removal of these ghastly pieces of monumental dross.

[@richardwest6358]

That my friend is a gross insult to dross

[@vickyingramnymann8543]

I agree with you.

[@MGCaverly]

Impossible not to fall in love with this woman

[@kfaolain8623]

Wonderfully done! Wonderful presentor, and amazing history, architecture and art covered! Look forward to more

[@clarencewatson8366]

Wells Cathedral is lovely, especially viewed from the lawn outside the West front on a late sunny afternoon.

[@stevenmcdonald1901]

I really enjoyed the history, presentation, and especially the passion from Alice. Passion for history, being charismatic when relaying information, and driving it home really allows the general public to appreciate historical locations while learning about history. Just found this channel and I hope you do more. Funny enough some of Alice's excitement and body language on occasion remind me of the blimpie my kids watch, but adultish. I don't know how else to describe it.

[@MrTorleon]

A very enjoyable, informative and delightful tour of this tremendous cathedral - oh, and Alice is quite nice too :) As for the modern sculpture, well mistakes do happen, but perhaps it could have been introduced in a less intrusive position - but no doubt it was to satisfy some important group of people or other :( Thank you Alice, well done for your lively and enthusiastic approach - brilliant !!

[@paulapridy6804]

The placement of 'Doubt' resonates with me a bit like that pyramid dome in front of The Louvre

[@djkelleher3557]

Love the presenters inspiring enthusiasm 🙌 👏

[@worldcheerleader]

i love your energy Alice!

[@Stonewall1861]

Thank Alice for showing us such a beautiful place.

[@TimLyon]

Fascinating. My 7th gt-grandfather Richard Hebden, son of Sir John Hebden, is buried in the Cathedral.

[@pragasamanthony3251]

England, my love for ever!

[@caaam4734]

I can't stop watching History hit, just love all presenters, especially Alice.

[@amandagreen4332]

Wells is my favorite cathedral. The inverted arches are iconic, and the chapter house and stairs are stunning.

[@tfSmudge]

Wells wow, need to go now. Bish of Bath and Wells was great in Blackadder! Doubt is well named, hideous indeed. Nice vid 👏🏻👏🏼👏🏽🇬🇧🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@michaeldillon3113]

A really wonderful series on cathedrals. Interesting , informative and enthusiastic presentation. Thank you .

[@morenofranco9235]

Thanks, History Hit - and Alice - for another great virtual tour.

[@randalmayeux8880]

It's strange, but just a couple of hours ago I was thinking of Wells Cathedral and then this shows up. I don't think I've thought about Wells for at least 40 years. Uncanny!

[@mheuman]

Thanks!

[@HistoryHit]

Thank you so much Mary!

[@SteveCopps]

I’ve visited Wells and the cathedral many times and love it❤ thanks showing us things we hadn’t spotted before👍

[@balancedactguy]

Wonderful video Alice! Given how much rain you get in the UK, it's great you had a Warm and Sunny Day to make this video!

[@conmckfly]

Doubting Thomas. Really enjoyed your presentation. Fascinating.

[@susanlittle6235]

I loved the video. Thank you, it was fascinating. I am amazed it came through the reformation as well as it did.

[@_wonderwall_]

Alice can sell sand in the Sahara. Well, she definetly sold Well Cathedral to me! Great video, love this channel!

[@mancdave123]

Really great video, love the presenting style 😎

[@harrycallaghan22]

Just returned from a visit to Wells cathedral so finding this was a great watch. Really informative and interesting. Thanks. 👍🏻

[@gerardbannon5403]

Great information on this magnificent Cathedral - presented with vigorous enthusiasm and startling originality - I'm a bit surprised though that she was permitted to leaf through the medieval books without wearing specialized gloves of some description

[@kellimbt]

Gloves aren't used for handling old books and documents- clean, dry hands are best!

[@anti-Russia-sigma]

Anthony should have made a question mark to represent doubt.Badly arranged blocks only represents the silliness of humans.

[@Azphreal]

Been there many times and i remember as a child being pulled aside by a Brother which worried me and he asked why i was jumping in the hallway and i told him i did not want to step on the gravestones which made him chuckle. I love the videos with Alice and she seems to have such joy in what she is talking about.

[@cassidychaplin272]

I appreciate the side humor in these videos so much!

[@bazzatheblue]

I don't know much about old churches but I like the presenter she has infectious enthusiasm,she made it very easy to watch.

[@chris.asi_romeo]

Love watching documentaries like this. 💯👏 I enjoy watching.

[@Colin.Smith.Pianist]

Wells is officially on my list of places to visit ❤️

[@bradleypierce1561]

I like that sculpture called doubt, and I like Alice’s description of it.

[@TheMarkEH]

First time I’ve watched this channel and I’m so happy so have stumbled across it. Alice’s style, delivery, prose, enthusiasm and quirkiness is (to me) so like a modern version of Lucinda Lampton that I’m hooked.

[@kennethbowry1521]

What a great presenter, so talented time for the Big Screen I think.

[@jenniferlevine5406]

You are an inspiring Historian Alice! This was a great trip to Wells!

[@More-Space-In-Ear]

I'm new to the channel and only viewed a few videos, but I must say how pleasing learning has become. Alice has a great speaking pace and very well learned lines. I, for one, wouldn't have remembered have of what she said. Always had a live for history going back from school days, and now building my family tree has opened my eyes to what things were going on in their day. With my tree going back to royalty and as far back as 700 ad, history has got more interesting...

[@Kae6502]

3:50 - Nope. Just. Nope. Not only are you a wonderful presenter, but you young lady, are far braver than I will ever be! Great Channel. Just Subscribed. :)

[@HistoryHit]

Thank you! 😃

[@sherrywells2084]

Great video of Wells Cathedral. Stunning and beautiful.. Would love to see myself.. Thanks !!

[@graemeholford578]

The scrap price for iron is good at the moment, July 2022, so perhaps the Gormley piece could be put to better use.

[@michaelhasfel7]

Contemporary art is not art. Look at this building! Now that's art!

[@abigailgerlach5443]

Wells has always been my favorite cathedral! So beautiful! But... You couldn't pay me to repel down the facade for any reason!

[@ThatIsJustCrazyTalk]

She asked how we felt about the new ‘sculpture’. Well, trying to be nice, my thought is that it is less than beautiful. Some might actually say it’s hideous.

[@3John-Bishop]

Its rather hideous. What were they thinking 🤔

[@benoitbergeron8858]

I like it. It sticks out on the cathedrale in the same way that a cathedrale sticks out of our modern era.

[@Genninap]

It’s hideous.

[@ianbeddowes5362]

I am an atheist, and I think it is hideous and should be removed. It has no relationship to the rest of the front.

[@chevyfinn]

This presenter is fantastic!! 😀😀😀😀

[@brandieo6165]

Wonderful video! Entertaining with lots of knowledge. Well done!🙂

[@wystan1000]

I appreciate Loxton's constant dating of objects and features. People who aren't into history don't understand this. They think that dates are just numbers to be remembered - or forgotten and then to trip them up. But, as history fans, we are always adding to our understanding of constancy and change in time through adding to the mental store of dates of things we know about and gradually finessing our understanding of the landscape of the past.

[@amangill3154]

Alice is a daredevil and a awesome host so knowledgeable

[@markrollins3101]

Absolutely love wells been going every year for the last 5 years going again in July.

[@Scrumpy00]

Glad the Antony Gormley sculpture is only a temporary instalment. It looks so out of place on this magnificent medieval cathedral.

[@vickypedias]

I think it’s wonderful I hope it stays, it’s a bold statement in support of one of the most important facilities the human mind is capable of, it’s very meaningful, it creates a conversation, and gives the place a unique mark of the modern among soooooo much of the many years of built up ancient work. A secular mark of progress on a facade of traditionalism which was in itself radical in some ways when first it came about. I bet some people felt the same as you about the guy with the pie and the guy taking a thorn out of his foot. Innovation and doubt are a good thing in many cases, including here.

[@Scrumpy00]

@@vickypedias I appreciate you offering a different point of view Viktoria, and as you say it certainly creates a talking point! It is however only on loan for 18 months so will be removed next year, thankfully. Regarding your bet, who knows what folk in the 12th Century thought of the cathedral statues. Gargoyles and grotesques have a long history predating even the medieval cathedrals. Religion dominated everybody's lives in medieval times, both rich and poor, and the cathedrals were built to the glory of God, to represent heaven on earth (and the power of the church). The book 'Pillars of the Earth' by Ken Follett is a great account of the building of a cathedral, if admittedly fictitious. It was a costly business building such elaborate structures so perhaps the man holding a pie was commissioned by the baker’s guild and likewise the splinter in the foot by the apothecary guild? Or perhaps they just illustrate the skill, humour and craftmanship of the masons who carved them? Regardless, I don’t think either would have been anywhere near as controversial as ‘Doubt’ and they are both totally in keeping with the fabric of the building, not juxtaposed against it.

[@pamburt]

Agree! I hadn’t seen this installation before watching this video, and before the presenter even mentioned it, I thought “ what’s that bit of rusty old drainpipe doing up there?”. Oops, my mistake; had no idea it’s supposed to be a work of art, lol🙄

[@annecarter5181]

Just like having a private tour guide!

[@pierremainstone-mitchell8290]

I admire your guts in rappelling down the face of the Cathedral Alice. As one who suffers from acrophobia there is no way I'd be doing it! As for the sculpture "Doubt" I think it's a very interesting idea and I hope it creates a lot of useful debate! (My late Dad was an Anglican Priest here in Australia.)

[@PianoPlayah]

I’ve visited Wells Cathedral several times. I’m from the States. It’s one of the most beautiful cathedrals I’ve ever been in. Wells overall is beautiful and absolutely stunning. I wish Alice had addressed the organ and choir, but overall a great video. I actually learned more details that I’ve missed over my exploration of the cathedral. What a magical place!

[@spamboli]

as an American child visiting family in the UK, Wells Catherdral was always a favorite of my siblings and I. a clock with jousting knights? the Bishops Palace / castle with a honest to goodness moat and draw bridge? Wonderful, all of it!

[@rksnj6797]

Wonderful video of an amazing place! Thank you Alice!

[@alanaw27]

St Magnus Cathedral is Medieval and is in Kirkwall, on the Orkney Islands off the north coast of Scotland. During the “English” Civil war Cromwell’s army also fought battles in Scotland and ended up in Kirkwall. There are iron rings in the inside walls of the Cathedral. These were used by the Roundhead troops to tie up their horses, when they used it as a stable I was interested to hear that they’d done the same at Wells.

[@frankbadger9881]

Many thanks for this. Wells is a place I haven't yet got round to visiting and is certainly on my list. Incidentally, the BBC Ghost Story For Christmas filmed "The Treasure of Abbot Thomas" here in the Cathedral area. As for the Gormley "thing"... 'nuff said !!

[@williamkennedy5492]

Out of all the UK cathedrals i have visited i would say Wells is my favorite, you enter and see that massive scissor shape not realising it isnt a modern addition but was done centuries ago, I must get back for another visit its been 12 years since my last one, thank you for the video.

[@chrisreed3385]

A truly wonderful cathedral, have been here several times. In my mind it’s in the top 3 cathedrals in the country.

[@jayp6888]

Wow what a great episode. SOOO much to see there. I love the modern sculpture equally with the graffiti and the guys picking splinters from their feet. And so much more. Can’t wait to go myself.

[@peecee1384]

Incredible. Almost as good as being there. Plus Alice is so charming. I think I have a bit of a crush happening 🤣

[@alphapix5719]

A enjoyable and well presented different view of Wells Cathedral. Tom Bree “The Cosmos in Stone” also gives a fascinating and detailed description of Wells Cathedral.

[@michaelmcnally1242]

I have always wanted to visit Wells Cathedral. It's fantastic. That said, I think "oldest Gothic cathedral in the world" is a fairly bold claim. Perhaps it could be qualified; there are definitely older French gothic churches (Sens, Laon, a couple more arguably). All of those have experienced some revisions over the centuries of course. Anyway I love these videos. However I am not going to dangle from a rope, that's going on the "Do Not Do" list in my British tourism spreadsheet.

[@tamaracarter1836]

What she meant was that Wells Cathedral was the first in Europe to be built *entirely* in the Gothic style (therefore with no earlier Romanesque details). There are earlier examples of gothic architecture found in churches in France and England, but those churches are not purely built in that one style, they are all mixed with Romanesque. I’d love to visit Wells Cathedral too.

[@tamaracarter1836]

@amygordon2716 First of all Wells Cathedral was mostly built between 1175-1260. The only parts added during the 1300s and early 1400s were the Central Tower and Chapter House. And yes, it’s architecture is great. The amazing scissor arches that were added in 1338 (the first of their kind in the world and completely revolutionary), were used as a solution to strengthen the foundations for the tower (which never collapsed) - which of course shows the ingenuity and immense skill of the local stonemasons during that time. Many French churches have collapsed by the way, for example, Beauvais Cathedral has collapsed twice and isn’t even finished to this day. Most English cathedrals have stood for over 900 years also. Some examples that I’ve visited: Lincoln Cathedral (1072-1300), Durham Cathedral (1093-1133), Ely Cathedral (1083-1230), Canterbury Cathedral (1070-1300), Gloucester Cathedral (1089-1330), Norwich Cathedral (1096-1145), Winchester Cathedral (1079-1400), Peterborough Cathedral (1100-1230). The only ones I’ve visited that haven’t been standing for 900 years were York Minster (1230-1472 - much of the earlier building burnt down) and Salisbury Cathedral (1220-1250 - the Cathedral literally moved locations). Gothic developed slowly over time thanks to innovations found in cathedrals/ mosques *across* Europe and the Middle East. One of the most important being Durham Cathedral in the north of England; which was the first building to use the pointed arch as a successful structural element (replacing the semi-circular Romanesque arch which limited the height of the nave), was the first building to use stone rubbed vaulting (helping to transfer the weight of the ceiling down through the walls, as well as allowing for a thinner and more beautiful vault), and also contains the precursor to one of gothic architectures staple features - the flying buttress. All of which was constructed decades before the Basilique Saint-Denis had even started its gothic reconstruction in 1135.

[@tamaracarter1836]

@amygordon2716 Early English Gothic is very different from French. Just as how the English Romanesque before it was its own distinctive style also; incorporating elements of traditions Anglo-Saxon architecture such as intricate, interlocking stonework. There are tens of thousands of medieval gothic churches standing in England today, and the vast majority of these buildings were built by the English; incorporating English culture and design. That is exactly why Early English gothic (which varies from region to region anyway), is different from that seen in France, because it is English, not French. Remember, the Normans were a tiny percentage of the population of England. Elements of gothic architecture were indeed developed in England (I have already given a famous example), and built by the English. If you cannot cope with that fact then that’s on you. European architecture and architectural styles are always an intermingling of additions and developments from different European nations. It is natural. And no one style belongs entirely to one singular nation. England and France both have contributed a huge amount to the development of Gothic over the centuries, and so have many other European nations.

[@tamaracarter1836]

@amygordon2716 Believe what you like if it makes you feel better.

[@elvenkind6072]

It's IMPOSSIBLE to not follow these documentaries by Alice Loxton carefully, because of her infectious enthusiasm. And she is quite cute and got really nice dresses! :)

[@HH-hth]

Wonderful video. Too often presenters hog the camera time, but we didn't feel that way here. The camera stayed on the subject more often. Yay! Would have liked to see the cloisters and other outdoor areas. And would have loved to know where in the cathedral each spot is. Eager to watch the next one.