The Chapter House – making amends for a missed opportunity
Doorway to The Chapter House
The last time I visited Wells Cathedral back in 2015 I did not go and see, let alone photograph, The Chapter House. Why, I cannot tell you, as it is arguably one of the finest features of this glorious building and one not to be missed, but somehow I did!
Earlier this week I made amends and as well as photographing other parts of the cathedral I spent quite some time in The Chapter House, walking up and down the famous staircase, which is often referred to as the ‘Sea of Steps’. As you might imagine this is a very well photographed subject so trying to make an ‘original’ image is nigh on impossible. Nevertheless its beauty, its proportions and its truly majestic architecture are quite breathtaking. I hope you enjoy this collection of images.
The ‘Sea of Steps’ staircase leading to The Chapter House
The Chapter House vestibule
The central column and roof inside The Chapter House
Another view of the Chapter House ceiling
Looking up – taken from the vestibule
‘Study’ inside The Chapter House
A more abstract view of the ‘Sea of Steps’
I have copied this extract from the Cathedral’s website about the history of The Chapter House –
‘The Wells Chapter House is the only octagonal chapter house to be built as a first storey on top of an undercroft, which was the ‘strong room’ of the cathedral. A crypt would not have been practical because of underground water. The undercroft itself, with its rugged supporting pillars, was certainly constructed by 1266, just after the completion of the West Front but work, first on the staircase (1265-1280) and then on the Chapter House itself(1286-1306), proceeded slowly.’
For my other posts about Wells Cathedral do click on the links below.
A quote by St Francis of Assisi reminded me of Wells Cathedral
A Monochrome Masterclass and a visit to Wells
As always do click on an image to view a larger version
Another entry with more images of Wells Cathedral will follow soon.
alan frost photography 
8 Responses to “The Chapter House – making amends for a missed opportunity”
Superb images. You did well with the steps that’s for sure.
Sometimes I think its about lines and shapes (like one would do for a logo or wrapping paper design). Get the proportions and leading lines right and you have the perfect shot of something that is actually very difficult to photograph.
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Thanks Vicki. I agree with your thoughts on achieving a good composition – not always so easy to do in practice though – (there are quite a few in the ‘to delete’ pile!)
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Like the worn stairs – it makes one pause to think how many feet have used these steps. Like the b and w
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Thanks Diana. I too had exactly the same thought. . I hope you are continuing with your own photography? Alan
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Yes, I have joined Hayling C.C. and as well as also use Flckr
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Good luck at Hayling CC. I have a Flickr account but don’t use it much these days. I prefer using this blog and Instagram.
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Haven’t yet tried instagram – they keep bringing out so many different media
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