Sunday 9 September 2012

WELL I NEVER

I was aware of well dressing and blessing in Derbyshire, but had no idea that such a thing went on anywhere else.  Anyway, today was the dressing and blessing ceremony of the Haslemere well.

Haslemere well was in use from mediaeval times until the late 19th century.  The last watercarrier, Hannah Oakford, used to charge 1 penny per bucket to deliver fresh water to townspeople.  She died in 1898.

This is the well and the dressed plaque. 

Not quite up to Derbyshire standards I think, but interesting that we should wish to do this.  This is the blessing ceremony.


And here is the musical presentation.


Here are some close ups of the decoration.




Haslemere well is just off the present High Street.  As it was such a lovely day today, I thought you might also like to see the view from the well.

4 comments:

  1. I truly love this tradition... I find it beautiful:-)

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    Replies
    1. Yes, it was a pleasure to find it happening here.

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  2. Replies
    1. But at least all the boring stuff was finished long ago.

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