Sunday… Time to Bless the Wells

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Hall Well, Tissington, Derbyshire

Hall Well stands in the heart of the Derbyshire village of Tissington, it is one of 6 Wells within the village. Each year on Ascension Day,  each Well is Blessed, recognising a very old custom  of giving thanks for the pure natural Spring waters.  It is a custom widely commemorated across the Limestone region of Derbyshire where these natural Springs occur.  Once a pagan custom, today a Christian Blessing is given.  To celebrate the Blessing, each Well here in Tissington is ‘Dressed’… a floral tribute, created with seeds, petals and foliage.  each well creating its own individual story board.  Take a closer look at Hall Well to admire the skill of the villagers in creating this years Dressing.

Town Well has this year chosen to celebrate the villages Farming Heritage in it creation for 2024..

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On a smaller scale is the Children’s Well…. and as the name suggests the artist are the children of the village

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Equally as skillful with their craftsmanship…

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Three children from one of the village Farms created their very own Dressings… 

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We always headed to the Coffin Well to see what it has in store for us each year.  Perhaps because of its somber name the topic is usually chosen to lighten the mood.   This Year is no exception….

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It has always been suggested that the wells ‘Coffin’ name is derived from a former use of this  location, a place where coffins were rested by the mourners, prior to the coffin being carried into the Church grounds.

Yew Tree Well has this year chosen to highlight the importance of Guide Dogs and the important Charity of that name.

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Again the lifelike detail is so skilfully executed….

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To finalise our walk round Tissington at this time of Well Dressing we pause at Hands Well.….

It is often forgotten that it is the location of these Wells is the very reason that the village of Tissington was established.  

Enjoy your Sunday…. and as you take a glass of water… give thanks….

and as always….

Please Remember ….

Stay Safe …. Be Kind…. Look After Each Other

12th May

(C) David Oakes 2024