The city was a Roman settlement but only became an important centre under
the Saxons when King Ine of Wessex founded a minster church in 704. Two hundred
years later, this became the seat of the local bishop; but in 1088, this had
been removed to Bath. This caused severe arguments between the canons of Wells
and the monks of Bath until the bishopric was renamed as the Diocese of Bath
and Wells, to be elected by both religious houses. Wells became a borough some
time before 1160 when Bishop Robert granted its first charter. Fairs were
granted to the City before 1160.
Wells was listed in the Domesday Book of 1086
