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Shh… The Vicar’s Close?

. . . or is it simply the vicars close. Could be either, could be neither, could be none. But choosing the incorrect one might bring some red-faced embarrassment or, alternately, lots of laughs. That’s English for you. And we know that the English were to blame, so to speak. Or would that be the British instead? See what we mean? One thing is for sure: it’s been a long time; the English language has a history that has spanned over 1,500 years.

Its development can be broadly divided into three main periods: Old English (450-1150 AD. Middle English and, finally, Modern English (1500 AD – present.) However, this post is not meant to be an English lesson; it’s actually about a single street and the fallout that can happen to the rich and powerful, no matter how rich and powerful they think they are. Pride comes before a fall.

Sounds complex, but this is a short one and, so, easily digestible. Being the BBC, it’s also playful. And, of course, you can visit, and you should. So, to our lessons, then. In the lush, rural landscape of Somerset, England is the cathedral city of Wells. In addition to the fol de rol; (Nonsense; excessive efforts expended on a something trivial; much ado about nothing) pride is the topic is the lesson here.

The important point is that, adjacent to the cathedral is Vicar’s Close, which has claimed to be the oldest continuously inhabited street in Europe. Built in the 14th century to house the cathedral’s clergy, the close retains its medieval character and offers a glimpse into the past. Now that’s cool.

You can see why they might want to come to blows for this place. Wow! You can just come to visit.

Quintessential England. Stay at the lovely “The Snug – A Quaint Mews Cottage City Centre” Click here

You’ll need a car to get to Wells Cathedral. Rentalcars have them. Click here for a super selection.

British Airways fly to Bristol, which is the closest airport to Wells. Click here to book.

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