Star Well and crinoids | Forum — The Modern Antiquarian

tjj Jul 4, 2012 00:37:47

http://people.bath.ac.uk/liskmj/wells/wilts/starwell.htm

I don't think this site is on TMA (though have submitted it) shown as 'Holy Well' on the OS map (see link above). Visited last Saturday with a couple of friends.

We had been told that star shaped fossils could be found in the water so went 'fishing for stars'. We found out subsequently that these fossils are known locally as petrified elderflowers and when we eventually found some that is just what they look like. Anyway initially we had no luck and were about to give up when a little family appeared. The man waved cheerily at us and came over. He generously showed us how to find these tiny star shaped fossils which were in the mud banks at the side of the spring rather than in the water.

I asked the man, who was quite young, how he knew about the spring and the fossils. He replied his wife played there as a child, so did her mother and her grandmother, so they thought they would bring their own children along too.

This is clearly an ancient well - John Aubrey has written about it. These days the ambience is spoilt by the close proximity of electricity pylons.

drewbhoy Jul 4, 2012 01:49:03

Replying to tjj

Hurry up with the pictures, it sounds like a nice place. Good to read that somebody keeps the memory going.

scubi63 Jul 4, 2012 03:20:45

Replying to tjj

I have been visiting this place on and off since I was a teenager as it is on just off a lane that runs between Chippenham, where I lived and Corsham where I went to school. On hot days, Rex, my old dog used to love splashing around in the small pool and stream, getting soaked through (mind you he would do that on cold days too!).

The area is a lovely and popular spot for a picnic (the power lines spoil it a bit though) but can become very boggy, especially if the cows are in the field so like the article says, bring your wellies!

The stars were in plentiful supply back in my younger days but seem to have become more difficult to find over the years as more and more people find out about the well. However, I would imagine all this rain has help 'loosen' them from the spring somewhat making finding them a little easier.

:o)

Chris Collyer Jul 4, 2012 12:44:59

Replying to tjj

There's also a well in North Lincolnshire associated with crinoids -

http://www.themodernantiquarian.com/site/1818

-Chris