Other current and historical names
Location and coordinates are for the approximate centre of Wells within this administrative area. Geographic features and populated places may cross administrative borders.
Gazetteer of the British Isles (Edinburgh: Bartholomew, 1887). John Bartholomew
Wells, mun. bor. and ancient city, Somerset, at foot of Mendip hills, 6 miles NE. of Glastonbury and 19 SW. of Bath by rail, 726 ac., pop. 4634; P.O., T.O., 2 Banks, 1 newspaper. Market-days, Wednesday and Saturday. Wells took its name from the numerous springs in the vicinity. It originated in a collegiate church founded in 704. The diocese of Bath and Wells comprehends all Somerset except Bedminster. The cathedral and the Episcopal palace are at Wells. The cathedral is a magnificent structure, in the Early English style. The Episcopal palace is a castellated building of ancient date, surrounded by a wall and moat. Wells has breweries, flour and paper mills, and brush manufactories, but its trade is principally agricultural. It was first chartered by King John, and was made a mun. bor. by Queen Elizabeth; it returned 2 members to Parliament from the time of Edward I. until 1867-1868.
Gazetteer of the British Isles (Edinburgh: Bartholomew, 1887). John Bartholomew
Wells Forum, hundred, Somerset, 31,291 ac., pop. 7402; contains 8 pars.
A village in Wells hundred, in the county of Somerset.