While the museum was closed on Monday, staff members David and Sophie were hard at work giving some much-needed attention to one of the site’s historic features- our heritage well.
This beautiful old well, once used by nearby houses, is an evocative symbol of the village’s past. However, it’s become increasingly difficult to maintain, as the small surrounding stones frequently scatter, creating a potential tripping hazard and leading some of our younger visitors to treat it as a wishing well.
David and Sophie took on the challenge with impressive dedication. First, they cleared the area and laid down weed-suppressing fabric. They then washed all the existing and fresh new stones using a hosepipe and metal sieves, and finally applied a layer of resin to secure everything in place.
The result is a much safer and tidier space, with the stones now firmly held, preventing both trips and loose gravel on the path. The well is no longer mistaken for a wishing well- while still standing proud as a reminder of our shared history.
Next steps include cleaning the well itself and adding a new interpretive sign to explain its heritage and help guide visitors towards the museum entrance.
A big thank you to David and Sophie for their hard work in preserving and improving this important piece of the museum’s landscape!
