City Arms (12)

The City Arms in the High Street commemorates its use as the city’s gaol from 1606, following which an inn was incorporated into the site by 1689, and there has been an inn there ever since.

The City Arms, Wells, was the site of the city gaol in 1606. Photo by Phil Broek.

The Blue Plaque installed on the City Arms in the High Street commemorates its use as the city’s gaol from 1606. An inn was subsequently incorporated into the site by 1689 and there has been an inn there ever since.

The owner of the City Arms, Bruce Ashmore, said: “I am delighted that Wells Civic Society has given this honour to one of the oldest buildings in Wells which has a remarkable history and been in constant use since the 14th century.”

The Civic Society unveiling the new Blue Plaque

Research has shown that “…there were shops and a blacksmith’s forge” on the site prior to its use as a gaol and it “retains many of its original features including barred windows, locks, chains and a solitary cell”. (And folklore has it – ghosts too!)

The Blue Plaque has pride of place outside of The City Arms pub in Wells. Photo by Phil Broek.

Have you seen the ghost in the City Arms?

• Yes!
• Thankfully, no!

The City Arms is at Location 12