 Together with the Duke of Beaufort he contributed to the upkeep of the church fabric, and St Arvan's distinctive octagonal tower (1820) was his gift.In 1806 he was appointed a Justice of the Peace, while in 1832 he was on the committee of the Chepstow Hunt.On 24 January 1818 Wells became Britain's first black sheriff when he was appointed sheriff of Monmouthshire by the Prince Regent, and a deputy lieutenant of the county.