News / Castle Park
City’s oldest well unveiled
Until very recently, people had been walking over St Edith’s well without realising it was there. Providing the first settlers of Bristol (or Brigstowe as it was known in Saxon times) with fresh spring water, the well was closed in 1887 due to sewage contamination.
The Duke of Kent visited the city of Bristol on Tuesday to officially re-open the well, accompanied with a blessing and service from bishop Viv Faull.
Lord-lieutenant Peaches Golding, Ann Freeman and the Duke of Kent (in the centre) were at the service to open the well
Despite the intermittent showers and grey skies the event was well attended, with many who had been involved in uncovering the well coming to the inauguration. Bright flowers were placed around the area, creating a spring feel despite the weather. The bishop joked that “at least we’re blessed that there’s no water falling from the sky!”
is needed now More than ever
The bishop, along with lord-lieutenant Peaches Golding, the Duke of Kent and Ann Freeman, who worked to get the well uncovered and celebrated in the city, came together with other prominent city figures, including lord mayor Cleo Lake and several cabinet members.
The bishop then blessed the well and sprayed its water over the attendees, before a short prayer.
Located in Castle Park next to St Peter’s Church, the well has been covered by car parking and then paving, leaving city dwellers to walk over the ancient spring without knowing of its existence.
That’s no longer the case after a recent archaeological investigation uncovered the well and revealed its full size – nearly six-foot wide and over 44 feet deep.
Covered by transparent, toughened glass with clear signage marking it, the well will also be illuminated when night falls. With today’s well-attended ceremony and information boards nearby, St Edith’s well will no longer be missed by those visiting the park.
Read more: Celebrating Bristol’s oldest source of drinking water
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