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

The Secrets Of Wells Cathedral | The First Gothic Cathedral In England
Join Alice Loxton as she unveils the secrets of Wells Cathedral, getting up close and personal with all aspects of the building's history. Among other things, that means abseiling down the cathedral's facade - not for the faint hearted!
Also in this video, we’ll be getting inside the mind of a medieval mason, we’ll be uncovering the mysteries of the magnificent chained library and we’ll be traversing stones which are so weathered by time that they have been compared to a rolling ocean.
The cathedral we see today was begun in 1176, and completed over the next couple of centuries. The endeavour paid off, because the result is quite magnificent. The west front of Wells is one of the most glorious examples of medieval architecture in the world.
Because cathedrals took so long to build, the fashions often changed whilst they were being built. So, Durham Cathedral, for example, has rounded Romanesque arches at one end and pointed Gothic at another. But at Wells, the fashions stayed the same throughout the building process, so it was built in the Gothic style all the way through, and so this building is the first truly Gothic cathedral in the world. The nave here is quite plain, in Early English Gothic style.
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#historyhit #aliceloxton #wellscathedral

[@seamasrigh2162]

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

[@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.

[@lacritzer3070]

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

[@lisakilmer2667]

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

[@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

[@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 !

[@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.

[@ARC_VR]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@MGCaverly]

Impossible not to fall in love with this woman

[@aib0160]

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

[@mariashelly6392]

This lady does a delightful job.

[@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"

[@paulapridy6804]

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

[@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.

[@pragasamanthony3251]

England, my love for ever!

[@worldcheerleader]

i love your energy Alice!

[@N_0968]

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

[@tinakon4386]

love it! love Alice - very good presentation.

[@nybe]

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

[@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🙄

[@samEg1999]

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

[@danielanimal]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@njs843]

The modern sculpture of doubt at the end is hideous.

[@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!!!!!

[@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..

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@TimLyon]

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

[@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.

[@tamaracarter1836]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@carola.h.5689]

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

[@michaeldillon3113]

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

[@artysanmobile]

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

[@anteeker]

I think that Gormley "sculpture" on the cathedral facade is hideous-completely out of character for this building. It looks like a temporary repair until they can get a real sculpture to fill in the spot.

[@Russia-bullies]

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

[@chris.asi_romeo]

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

[@clarencewatson8366]

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

[@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!

[@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! :)

[@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!😊💚🍀

[@harrycallaghan22]

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

[@tfSmudge]

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

[@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

[@JG-mp5nb]

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

[@annecarter5181]

Just like having a private tour guide!

[@_wonderwall_]

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

[@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!

[@djkelleher3557]

Love the presenters inspiring enthusiasm 🙌 👏

[@klarissemonje4734]

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

[@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! 😃

[@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! :)

[@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!

[@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 !!

[@amandagreen4332]

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

[@berekqinah]

Great video, but hideous is the correct name.

[@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!

[@Colin.Smith.Pianist]

Wells is officially on my list of places to visit ❤️

[@markfowler5918]

Alice is lovely. The modern sculpture is hideous.

[@kennethbowry1521]

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

[@mancdave123]

Really great video, love the presenting style 😎

[@mheuman]

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

[@HistoryHit]

You are so welcome!

[@markallen1084]

Doubt should go

[@amangill3154]

Alice is a daredevil and a awesome host so knowledgeable

[@morenofranco9235]

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

[@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.

[@Stonewall1861]

Thank Alice for showing us such a beautiful place.

[@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.

[@jimpolk]

What a beautiful structure. I could spend weeks enjoying the architecture and nooks and crannies of the buildings. I personally don't like the 'Doubt' structure. It doesn't fit. Kind of like putting a wrecked Yugo in a Jaguar museum.

[@conmckfly]

Doubting Thomas. Really enjoyed your presentation. Fascinating.

[@abigailgerlach5443]

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

[@davidyendoll5903]

That last statue is hideous , for heaven's sake !

[@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.

[@kfaolain8623]

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

[@paulpurington8637]

Love the corpse sculpture!

[@sherrywells2084]

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

[@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.

[@chevyfinn]

This presenter is fantastic!! 😀😀😀😀

[@chrisstone8210]

I do not look at the modern statue and find myself in awe of the artistry and skill of the maker.

[@monstrositylabs]

I look at it and see how far we have fallen as a society

[@vickyingramnymann8543]

@@monstrositylabs Hear, hear.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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 !!

[@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.

[@timbassford2736]

the new statue called 'doubt' is the ugliest most out of place thing ive ever seen ... what a tragedy such an eyesore has been allowed to tarnish such a historical site

[@hdhansen9643]

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.

[@susanlittle6235]

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

[@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...

[@cassidychaplin272]

I appreciate the side humor in these videos so much!

[@markrollins3101]

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

[@bradleypierce1561]

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

[@catrionamacfarlane4949]

I seriously doubt anyone will find that abomination DOUBT in anyway in keeping with the Cathedral's facade..... Who on earth allowed this to be added?

[@vickyingramnymann8543]

I Doubt Gormley has any talent at all.

[@tkdyo]

Great video. Not a fan of the sculpture, not because of its message or its design even. Just because if I am looking at a historical site I want to get lost in the history and absorbed in the architecture. Having that sitting there as a reminder of modern day ruins that feeling.

[@theoldar]

Hopefully in another 800 years that sculpture will be part of the history we all cherish!

[@vickyingramnymann8543]

@@theoldar No

[@jenniferlevine5406]

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