Grade I listed · Somerset

The Chain Gate with Approach Staircase

The Chain Gate with Approach Staircase is a Grade I listed building in Somerset, first listed on 12 November 1953. It is one of 307 Grade I entries among 11,742 listed buildings in Somerset; 3% of Somerset’s current entries were listed before it.

List entry
FieldValue
NameThe Chain Gate with Approach Staircase
GradeGrade I — exceptional interest
List entry number1382904
Date first listed12 November 1953
Local planning authoritySomerset
Location51.21080, -2.64342 (map)
Official recordHistoric England list entry 1382904

Planning works on this listed building?

Planium checks which consents Somerset will require for your works on The Chain Gate with Approach Staircase, lists what the heritage statement must cover and drafts the application text.

Ask Planium what consent you need

What the grade means for works

Grade I buildings are of exceptional interest — only about 2.5% of listed buildings in England. Any application for listed building consent is notified to Historic England, and alterations are scrutinised closely.

The protection covers the whole building, inside and out, plus fixtures and attached structures. Typical works that need consent: replacing windows or doors, removing walls or historic fabric, changing roof coverings, installing solar panels or external insulation, and adding extensions.

Listed buildings near The Chain Gate with Approach Staircase

NameGradeDistance
The Vicars' Hall Including Number 28I12 m
Chapter House to Cathedral Church of St AndrewI21 m
1, St Andrew StreetI25 m
The Music School and Attached WallsII*45 m
Cathedral Church of St AndrewI46 m
Boundary Walls to Tower HouseII57 m
The RibII*61 m
Tower HouseII*64 m
Wells MuseumII78 m
14-27, Vicars' CloseI79 m

Frequently asked questions

Is The Chain Gate with Approach Staircase listed?
Yes. The Chain Gate with Approach Staircase is on the National Heritage List for England as a Grade I listed building, list entry number 1382904, first listed on 12 November 1953. The full list entry with its description and map is on Historic England’s website.
Do I need consent for works to The Chain Gate with Approach Staircase?
Works that affect its character as a building of special architectural or historic interest — inside or out — need listed building consent from Somerset, in addition to any planning permission or building regulations approval. Like-for-like repairs often do not, but confirm with the council’s conservation officer before you start.
Source: National Heritage List for England, © Historic England 2026, via planning.data.gov.uk. Contains Ordnance Survey data © Crown copyright and database right. Licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Retrieved 12 October 2026. Local authority assigned from the list entry point. This page is a summary — the legal record is the official list entry.