WELLS CATHEDRAL EXHIBITION

Giso, chaplain to Edward the Confessor, was Bishop of Wells from 1060 to 1088. He constructed cloisters to the north of Wells Cathedral and communal buildings to the south for the canons. Giso, the last Saxon bishop, obtained land grants for the upkeep of the church from Edward the Confessor and later William the Conqueror. As one of Edward’s favourites, there is a strong possibility that he would have been present at the Confessor’s funeral. Giso’s tomb, located in the north choir aisle, was opened in 1979 and a cross with verses inscribed on it from ‘The Mass for the Dead’ was found in his tomb.

Also to be found in Wells Cathedral is the tomb of John Harewell, chaplain to Edward the Black Prince. The name Harewell is listed on the Battle Abbey Roll and is one of the men who accompanied William the Conqueror at the Battle of Hastings. His descendant John Harewell, located in the south choir aisle, became Bishop of Wells in 1366.