Listed Building record MDR4520 - St Alkmund's Well, Well Street, Derby
Type and Period (1)
- HOLY WELL (Medieval to 21st Century - 1066 AD? to 2050 AD)
Protected Status/Designation
Full Description
St Alkmund's Well, Well Street, Derby, possibly of medieval date.
'St Alkmund's Well' is marked in Gothic text at approximately SK 35173703 on the 1st edition 25" OS map of c1880. (1)
'A well a short distance to the north of St Alkmund's church is still known by the name of 'St Alkmund's well'. The ancient custom of dressing this well with flowers was revived in 1870, and is now [in 1879] annually observed. It is said that when the pious company bearing the relics of St Alkmund reached the outskirts of Derby, they laid down their precious burden by the side of this well whilst they treated with the townspeople for their safe admission within the walls. From that time the waters of the well were blessed with special curative powers. The well (font) of St Alkmund is mentioned in a 14th century charter between Darley Abbey and the hospital of St Helen, in which it is described as lying between the well of St Helen and a meadow belonging to one William Greene.' (2)
'This is a natural spring with a modern surrounding wall. See GP AO/66/28/8.' (3)
From the National Heritage List for England:
'WELL STREET 1. 5170 St Alkmund's Well SK 33 NE 9/316 20.6.52. II
2. Medieval origin. Small stone contains jet of water, set below street level at junction with Bath Street. Approached down 3 stone steps. Low stone wall on right-hand side now added with iron railings around 3 sides.
Listing NGR: SK3517437030.''.
(4)
Although the listing description states there is a low wall along the right-hand side and iron railings around 3 sides, current Google imagery (Streetview, 2014) shows a low stone wall around three sides, and iron railings around foursides. (5)
Sources/Archives (5)
- <1> SDR18789 Map: Ordnance Survey (OS). 1882. OS County Series, 1st edition, scale 1:2500 (c. 25" to one mile).
- <2> SDR11672 Bibliographic reference: Cox, J C. 1879. Notes on the Churches of Derbyshire, Vol IV. 114-115.
- <3> SDR6337 Personal Observation: F1 FRH 29-NOV-66.
- <4> SDR19551 Listed Building File: Historic England. 2011. The National Heritage List for England. https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1230158?section=official-list-entry.
- <5> SDR20894 *Internet Web Site: Google Maps. http://maps.google.com/. Street View accessed 08/01/2014.
Map
Location
| Grid reference | SK 35174 37030 (point) |
|---|---|
| Civil Parish | DERBY, DERBY, DERBYSHIRE |
Related Monuments/Buildings (0)
Related Events/Activities (1)
- EDR1487
Please contact the HER for details.
External Links (0)
Record last edited
Jul 10 2025 11:58AM