26-05-2025
Well in Derby to be 'dressed' for the first time in a generation
A historic well dedicated to the patron saint of Derby is set to be "dressed" for the first time in more than 30 years. Well-dressing is a tradition dating back to pagan times which is practiced in Derbyshire and other rural parts of England, where wells and other water sources are decorated with items such as flower petals and beads. St Alkmund's Well, in Well Street, is a designated as a listed building and used to be dressed on an annual basis but the tradition died out after the loss of the old St Alkmund's Church in it is set to be revived on Monday due to the efforts of a group of volunteers.
The project has been led by resident Steve Ramsden, who used social media during the Covid pandemic to raise awareness of the well's history, and Rosa Drohomirecka, who became involved after she saw his posts. Rev Mina Munns, a vicar of St Alkmund's Church, also joined the project in 2023 and came up with the design for the well dressing, for which they had trial runs in 2023 and 2024 using decorations made by Ramsden said: "What we create this year may not be as big or detailed as some of the past well dressings recorded in old books and photos, but we're hoping it will be the start of a revival that will continue here for years ahead."The well dressing will take place at 13:00 BST and will be preceded by a procession at 12.45 from the Bridge Chapel in Duke Street to the site on Well Street.
