Vicars’ close, in Wells Somerset is an intrinsic part of British history.
The little road, which is part of Wells’ Cathedral, is said to be the oldest residential street in Europe.
The street, which is populated by beautiful listed buildings, has the original structures still intact – from the mid fourteenth century.
When the street was constructed in 1348, England looked very different.
King Edward III was on the throne, ascending to the position of king when he was just fourteen years old.
The medieval monarch, who began his reign in 1330, changed the course of rule, by creating the Duchy of Cornwall – which meant that the heir to the throne would be provided with an independent income, not associated with the sovereign or the state.
At just 21 years old, the king led Brits into the Hundred Years’ War, and by 23 he had invaded France, laying claim to the throne.
However, despite the King’s successes, Europe was knocked down in the mid fourteenth century by the outbreak of the Black Death.
The plague had just reached England in June 1348, a pandemic that ravaged the population, wiping out between 30-40 percent of Brits.
The symptoms of the Black Plague were horrific; sufferers were covered in boils seeping with pus, experiencing fever, chills, vomiting, diarrhoea – all before their timely death.
Despite pandemics, world wars and almost 700 years of wear and tear, the notable Vicar’ close is still standing strong – and this year will celebrate its 675th birthday.
