Bronze plaque № 59963

This bronze commemorative plaque records: Sadler Street and Brown's Gate. From the mid 13th century Sadler street has been the main entry to the city from the north. Known earlier as Canons Street, Cheap Street and High Street, it was a favorite place for the establishment of Coaching Inns and Taverns – some still trading. The west side of the street was developed first in the 13th century, whilst the east side adjacent to the churchyard was built only after the construction of the Precinct wall. A. Brown’s Gate. This was built by Bishop Beckynton c. 1450 on the site of the earlier churchyard steps, as was the Ancient Gatehouse Hotel. It pierces the mid-14th century Precinct Wall around the Cathedral Churchyard and became a popular shortcut for traffic into Wells until closed c. 1970. B. The White Hart Hotel. There was an earlier building on this site from 1301 to c. 1497. This inn was first known as “The Hertehed” and by 1706 as “The White Hart”. Parts of the structure are original, but the frontage dates from c. 1908. C. 15-17 Sadler Street. There was an Inn here known as the “Flower De Luce” from 1605 – 1760. It was then renamed the “Mitre Inn” but has since closed. D. The Swan Hotel. First mentioned in 1422 and called a “Great Inn”. Being an important Coaching Inn, it was rebuilt in 1769 by Charles Tudway, Mayor and the Member of Parliament for Wells. Recorded plaque organisation: Wells Civic Society & Rotary International.

Sadler Street has been a significant thoroughfare since the mid-13th century, serving as the main northern entry to the city and hosting numerous historic coaching inns and taverns. Bishop Beckynton constructed Brown’s Gate around 1450, creating a popular shortcut into Wells that pierced the 14th-century Precinct Wall surrounding the Cathedral Churchyard.