16 CONTEXT 187 : MARCH 2026 The city of Wells, Somerset, with St Cuthbert’s church have been altered more regularly and more extensively over the years, and continue to be developed more than elsewhere. Their overall character is less recognisably ‘Wessex’ from afar but, if looking in detail, characteristics of the region are evident. Somerset Somerset’s architectural character is softer and more ornamental than that of Dorset. Ham Hill stone walling gives a distinctive warmth to villages in the south of the county. As the stone is relatively soft, the older walls are often weathered to soft, gently undulating surfaces (except those that have been re-pointed with Portland cement, resulting in a lattice of protruding mortar in front of ugly cavities in the stone). Buildings feature carved details, door surrounds and small stone porches, mullioned windows and decorative string courses. Being easily split, Ham Hill and several other Somerset limestones were also widely used for stone slate roofs. However, their use in the north of the Wessex region was eclipsed by the rise of clay tile making in Bridgwater in the 19th century. Somerset farmhouses are often fairly substantial, over two storeys, with long facades, central entrances, and symmetry. Roofs are commonly thatched, contributing to the county’s picturesque character. The county is renowned for its church towers and there are many fine examples, adorned by intricate carvings and pinnacles. Unfortunately time is taking its toll on these extremely exposed features, with stone dropping off due to external weathering and the corrosion of embedded iron fixings. This can cause entire pinnacles to topple and, due to the high cost of maintenance and repairs to these extravagant features, many are missing. A chalk boundary wall in Hindon, Wiltshire, being rethatched by Adam Nash (Photo: Jonathan Taylor)
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