Wells is an ancient town, although is has changed dramatically in recent
times, it still enjoys a wealth of historical survivals, including the basic
layout of its early medieval nucleus, an abundance of medieval and almost
equally venerable buildings, and a rich archive of documents from the 12th
century onwards and a remarkable pictorial records in the form of early
photographic plates.
In the past few years Wells has attracted scholarly attention, including Dr
Rodwell's archaeological work, which has pushed back the roots of the town by
three centuries, while Prof. Stokes, of Wisconsin, has discovered much on guild
entertainments and other ceremonies. Gary Shaw, from Canada, has researched
early political development and the author has studied the evolution of the town
and its properties.
All this activity has produced an explosion of knowledge about Wells in the
past, which the author has skilfully drawn upon to provide a readable and
perceptive new account of its history, illuminated by 174 informatively
captioned illustrations. In addition to the development of the town over the
centuries - its buildings, its changing patterns of trade and transport, its
civic life and ceremony - he also examines the ordinary people of the town at
work and play.
The powerful visual impression of Wells in the past provided by the superb
collection of pictures will appeal to a wide range of local people, while the
book as a whole will be an essential addition to the shelves of all with an
interest in this region. Not least among the insights it reveals is that Wells
has changed more since the invention of photography than it did in the past six
centuries.
Contents:
List of Illustrations
Acknowledgements
Introduction
Photographs
