Wells Cathedral – Cathedral Archaeologist
Background Information to the Post of
Cathedral Archaeologist
The Cathedral
Wells Cathedral, set in the medieval heart of England’s smallest city, is the earliest English
cathedral to be built entirely in the Gothic style and is internationally recognised. The current
building was built between the 12th and 15th Centuries and is a significant landmark in
Somerset and the South West. As well as its iconic and breath-taking west front, Wells
Cathedral boasts one of only four chained libraries in the UK and the Jesse Window, which is
considered to be one of the finest examples of medieval stained glass in Europe. Adjoining
the Cathedral is Vicars’ Close, which is thought to be Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited
street. Vicars’ Close was designed to provide accommodation for the Vicars Choral and this is
still the case today. This proud and centuries-old tradition is unique and a much valued part of
the continuing life of Wells Cathedral.
Wells Cathedral aims to uphold its reputation for excellence in the delivery of its music and
liturgy, continuing to offer daily rounds of worship; to maintain and conserve the fabric of the
Cathedral and Vicars’ Close; to develop its visitor experience and to expand the delivery of
education and outreach programmes. Crucially, the Chapter and staff at the Cathedral aim to
maintain and conserve the fabric to ensure it is safeguarded for generations to come.
In recent years the Cathedral has completed a major project to provide new facilities for choirs
and education, a dedicated interpretation area, a new entrance with shop and restaurant and
has enabled a medieval cloister to be reopened to the public. The Cathedral is currently
undertaking a major conservation project on the medieval Jesse Window which sits at the
heart of the Cathedral in the Quire.
More details may be found on the Cathedral’s website: http://www.wellscathedral.org.uk
Archaeologist
The Care of Cathedrals Measure (2011) requires the appointment by the Chapter of a
Cathedral Archaeologist. The Cathedral Archaeologist should be seen as the professional
advisor to the Chapter on all matters for which it has archaeological responsibility. This
responsibility extends beyond the Cathedral itself to its precincts which includes Vicars’ Close.
Dr Warwick Rodwell has served as Cathedral Archaeologist for many years with distinction
and commitment. He has now decided to retire from the role and so the Chapter is seeking to
make a new appointment.
Application Pack
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Wells Cathedral – Cathedral Archaeologist
Application Process
We hope you find this pack provides all the information you need in order to consider your
application for this post. Informal enquiries may be made to Dr Paul Richards, Cathedral
Administrator on 01749 674483 or via email administrator@wellscathedral.uk.net
Applications
Applications must be received by 24 February 2014. Applications including a full CV and
covering letter of no more than one side of A4 describing what attracts you to this role, your
experience and how it relates to the opportunities and challenges presented by this position,
should be returned to Mrs Debbie Jones, PA to the Administrator, Cathedral Offices, Chain
Gate, Cathedral Green, Wells, Somerset, BA5 2UH or via email:
administratorsec@wellscathedral.uk.net
Shortlisting
Shortlisting will take place by 4 March 2014. To ensure the fairness of the selection process,
shortlisting will be based upon the information which you provide in your application and
assumptions will not be made about your experience or skills. We will look for demonstrable
evidence that you meet the criteria set out in the person specification.
All applicants will be notified of the outcome of the shortlisting process.
Interview
These will take place in the Cathedral Offices, Wells on 25 March 2014. Further details
regarding the selection process will be communicated at the time applicants are invited for
interview. The appointment will be subject to satisfactory references.
Should you decide to apply for this post we look forward to receiving your application.
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Wells Cathedral – Cathedral Archaeologist
Job Description
POST: Cathedral Archaeologist
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
It is the duty of the Chapter of Wells Cathedral under the Care of Cathedrals Measure
(2011) to appoint a cathedral archaeologist.
KEY PURPOSE OF POST:
To provide professional advice to the Chapter on all matters for which it has archaeological
responsibility.
LOCATION:
Wells Cathedral, Somerset
REPORTING TO:
Cathedral Administrator
MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Advise the Chapter on archaeological policy and the archaeological implications of any
works recommended by the Cathedral Architect

Liaise closely with the Cathedral Architect, including consulting in the preparation of the
Architect’s Quinquennial Report.

Organise, in consultation with the Architect, Clerk of the Works and other statutory bodies
such as English Heritage, programmes of archaeological recording, monitoring or
excavation. Such programmes must be approved in advance by the Chapter through the
Cathedral Administrator and should have regard to the budgetary constraints of the
Cathedral.

As required by the Care of Cathedrals Measure, attend meetings of the Fabric Advisory
Committee (FAC). These are currently held three times a year.

Adhere to the procedures set out in paragraphs. 13 to 30 of the Cathedrals Fabric
Commission For England (CFCE) document “The Role and Duties of the Cathedral
Archaeologist” (2010) with regard to archaeological process, publication and archiving,
standing building archaeology, disaster contingency planning, reports, records and
inventory.

Provide information for funding applications for work related to archaeology
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Wells Cathedral – Cathedral Archaeologist
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Key Criteria
Essential
Desirable
Qualifications and Experience
Post-graduate qualification, in
archaeology or a closely
related discipline.
A member of the Institute of
Field Archaeologists (IFA).
Skills and Abilities
Proven experience in the study
and understanding of historic
buildings and monuments and
archaeological sites, in
particular to those aspects
relating to church archaeology
Proven ability to work to
agreed budget and deadlines
Flexibility in finding
archaeological solutions that
are appropriate for a busy
working cathedral
High quality oral and written
communication and
presentation skills
Work-related Personal
Qualities
Ability to work collaboratively
Main Terms and Conditions
The terms and conditions of engagement will be based on those set out in the “The Role and
Duties of the Cathedral Archaeologist” (2010). They will include a retainer for key
responsibilities.
They may be found at: http://www.churchofengland.org/media/34025/roleofarchitect.pdf
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