| Wells | |
|---|---|
 Aerial photograph of Wells | |
  Wells Location within Somerset | |
| Population | 12,000 (2018)[1] |
| OS grid reference | ST545455 |
| Civil parish |
|
| Unitary authority | |
| Ceremonial county | |
| Region | |
| Country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | WELLS |
| Postcode district | BA5 |
| Dialling code | 01749 |
| Police | Avon and Somerset |
| Fire | Devon and Somerset |
| Ambulance | South Western |
| UK Parliament | |
Wells (/wɛlz/)[2] is a cathedral city and civil parish in Somerset, located on the southern edge of the Mendip Hills, 21 miles (34 km) south-east of Weston-super-Mare, 22 mi (35 km) south-west of Bath and 23 mi (37 km) south of Bristol. Although the population recorded in the 2011 census was only 10,536,[3] (increased to 12,000 by 2018) and with a built-up area of just 3.244 km2 (1.253 sq mi),[4] Wells has had city status since medieval times, because of the presence of Wells Cathedral. Often described as England's smallest city,[5][6] it is actually the second smallest to the City of London in area and population, but unlike London it is not part of a larger urban agglomeration.
Wells takes its name from three wells dedicated to Saint Andrew, one in the market place and two within the grounds of the Bishop's Palace and cathedral.[7] A small Roman settlement surrounded them, which grew in importance and size under the Anglo-Saxons when King Ine of Wessex founded a minster church there in 704. The community became a trading centre based on cloth making and Wells is notable for its 17th-century involvement in both the English Civil War and the Monmouth Rebellion. In the 19th century, transport infrastructure improved with stations on three different railway lines. However, since 1964 the city has been without a railway link.
The cathedral and the associated religious and medieval architectural history provide much of the employment. The city has a variety of sporting and cultural activities and houses several schools including The Blue School, a state coeducational comprehensive school that was founded in 1641, and the private Wells Cathedral School, which was founded possibly as early as 909 and is one of the five established musical schools for school-age children in the United Kingdom. Wells's historic architecture has led to the city being used as a shooting location for numerous films and television programmes.[8]
- ^ Norwood, Graham (12 November 2018). "The city that has it all: history, culture – and a population of just 12,000". The Telegraph. Archived from the original on 12 November 2018. Retrieved 3 July 2019.
- ^ "Wells". Collins Dictionary. n.d. Archived from the original on 8 February 2015. Retrieved 24 September 2014.
- ^ "Wells CP – Usual Resident Population, 2011". Neighbourhood Statistics. Office for National Statistics. Archived from the original on 26 December 2018. Retrieved 24 December 2014.
- ^ "Wells, Somerset, Built-up Area". City Population. 2016. Archived from the original on 5 January 2017. Retrieved 4 January 2017.
- ^ Else, David (2009). Great Britain (Lonely Planet Country Guides). Lonely Planet. p. 339. ISBN 978-1-74104-491-1. Archived from the original on 30 December 2016. Retrieved 14 October 2011.
- ^ "Wells City Council". wells.gov.uk. 2011. Archived from the original on 23 October 2011. Retrieved 14 October 2011.
Wells is England's smallest city
- ^ Historic England. "The Well House (1382877)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 24 August 2006.
- ^ Black Dog of Wells (2016). "Film and Television in Wells". The Crown at Wells, C1450. The Crown at Wells and Anton's Bistrot. Archived from the original on 13 September 2018. Retrieved 4 January 2017.