European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - November 11, 1993, Darmstadt, Hesse                                Asm fill a a Moat still surrounds Bishop s mice at welts Small City big on Charm history a by Richard mover Ley nestling at the foot of the me dip Hills in the Northeast Comer of the county of Somerset is Wells the smallest and arguably the most Beautiful City in England. The town Center conveys the atmosphere of a Small Market town with its narrow winding streets and cobbled pathways. The mood in Wells is relaxed and Friendly with none of the Hustle and Bustle associated with a Large City. However above these snaking roads loom the towers of the 13th-Century Cathedral of Bath and Wells and it is this building which gives Wells its status. The Cathedral Complex which includes the Bishop s Palace and the unusual vicar s close is the major attraction in Wells. There Are however other Points of interest for a visitor. In the Market Square Are two plaques. One recalls the Monmouth rebellion and the nearby Battle of Sedgemoor on july 6,1685. The Duke of Monmouth illegitimate son of Charles ii tried to seize the throne from James ii but he was Defeated and captured at Sedgemoor and later beheaded. Another plaque particularly interesting for american visitors commemorates the preaching of William Penn to a congregation of 3,000 in 1685. The plaque is attached to the Wall of the red lion hotel. Penn was of course the founder of Pennsylvania and if you look on a Good map of the area you will find the Small Village of. Pennsylvania not far from Bath. Nevertheless for most visitors the Cathedral one of the most famous in the country is the main reason for a visit to Wells. From a distance the massive West front looks very imposing somewhat Bleak with its very angular powerful looking shape. It is adorned with almost 300 medieval sculptures and is said to be twice As Long As it is High. The Cathedral is approached either through a Small Stone archway near the tourist information or from the far end of Cathedral close an open area with a Large Lavon a surrounded by old houses a which has been used Over the years for a wide Range of activities. Once inside a visitor cannot fail to be struck by the hourglass shape of the Central crossing an example of creative medieval architecture. Soon after the Cathedral was completed the Tower above this a shaped support threatened to collapse and  architect built a double Arch to Transfer the weight to the More stable East Side. This Structure is unique in gothic design and an example of How the practical can also appear Beautiful. The Cathedral has Cloisters and a chapter House As Well As an ornate 14th-Century Dock with mechanical figures by the North transept. However the Row of Small houses known As vicar s close is even More interesting. To reach it exit the Cathedral by the North door and follow the Road to your right. A Stone archway opens out into a symmetrical Row of Small houses with High chimneys which were raised and crowned in 1470. These residences were built in 1363 for trainee vicars and the Small Street retains historical Charm with its cobbles and Gas lamps. At the far end is a Chapel. Beyond the Cathedral on the opposite Side is the moated Bishop s Palace. Near Here Are the Wells of St. A 14th<entury mechanical Dock stands outside the North transept of Wells Cathedral. Andrew which give the City its name. The Waters run in drains Down the Side of the High Street. A sign in the marketplace states that free use of the water for cleansing the town and dousing fires was granted by the Bishop of Bath and Wells in 1803. The Palace is one of the oldest inhabited houses in England having been built by Bishop Ralph of Shrewsbury in the 14th Century to protect himself against the danger of rioters. Opening hours Are Short but it is possible to gain a. Good impression of the Palace layout and some excellent views of the City by walking around the Moat. Look out in the Way for the antics of the ducks and swans. The latter Are supposed to have been trained to ring a Bell on the Gatehouse Wall when they Are hungry. From Wells it s a Short drive along the a371 to Cheddar. This is the town where Cheddar cheese comes from and it bulges in the summer with tourists who come to Sample the local cheese and cider. The main attraction however is the impressive Gorge which towers above the Road a sheer Rock escarpment. The tourist attractions in Cheddar Are expensive and unnecessary but the Gorge is Well Worth a drive through it. Even nearer to Wells is the town of Glastonbury a place of Story and legend history and fable. The area was settled by the Pagan celts who called it the Isle of Glass. Later the saxons called it Gastonia a the place where Woad grew. Woad is a Blue Dye used in Olden times As warpaint. There Are so Many legends Here that it s difficult to know where to begin. Glastonbury Tor the Hilltop Tower which can be seen for Miles around is As Good a place As any. Here people sit in the Lotus position meditating play rhythms on Drums or lie on the grass surveying the town below and on a Clear Day gazing As far As the Bristol Channel. The remains on top of Glastonbury Tor Are from St. Michael s Chapel but the myths Are much More romantic. Legend has it that the Tor contains a passage to the underworld and that it is the Isle of Avalon to where King Arthur s body was borne. Another legend states that the Messiah will some Day reappear Here. It s easy to be sceptical about the reliability of these stories but they certainly weave a touch of magic and Romance into a visit to Glastonbury. In the Middle of town is the Abbey before the reformation one of the great monasteries of the country. This is regarded As the oldest Christian building in England. Glastonbury is accepted As the Birthplace continued on Page 12