Overview
Church officials looking for workers to build the cathedral did not need to advertise. Instead, news of the project would have spread by word-of-mouth, attracting skilled artisans to Wells from all over the country. Building a cathedral affected many people. Such a huge construction project would guarantee employment for hundreds of men for many years. The town, as the site of such a magnificent house of worship, would gain prestige. In addition, the town's economy would benefit from the pilgrims who would visit the cathedral.
The cathedral in Wells, which still stands, was the first all-Gothic cathedral in Europe. Construction began around 1175. Although the cathedral was consecrated in 1239, the main areas of the building weren't completed until the mid-1300's, and work continued into the 1400's.