Crikey | Forum — The Modern Antiquarian

goffik Sep 2, 2004 22:48:15

Wow...

http://www.themodernantiquarian.com/post/31593

So why's this baby not on the map then? This looks like a spectacular, genuinely "really bloomin old well"! And that's the official name for them, that is.

I love this type of well. I love all wells, as I keep going on about, but the really untouched old ones without their xtianised wellhouses etc really do it for me! This is the sort of thing that really brings home to me how important these places were to the ancients... and as for bent pins being used before c19? Pfft! I have no doubt! Or any proof. Except wondering how the c19 folk got the idea from...

The A697 looks like a prettier alternative to the A1 as well - think I'll give it a try on me way home...

*Hic!* Remember kids - don't drink and post! ;o)

G x

FourWinds Sep 2, 2004 22:53:42

Replying to goffik

Actually, I thought of you while I was here http://www.megalithomania.com/show/site/1329 last weekend :-)

Tom
P.S. I don't know what causing the error on that page by the way ... something for me to do tomorrow morning!

rocknicker Sep 2, 2004 23:19:38

Replying to goffik

It used to be my local well, goff

Quite cute - lots of folklore

and yes the A697 is very pretty. try and check out some rock art while you're passing too - no excuses, there's lots to choose from. Look up Weetwood and Chatton and if you get time, Kettley.

Gorgeous - say hello to Northumberland for me <sniff>

Hob Sep 2, 2004 23:46:46

Replying to goffik

It's up there just for you G :)

There's a decent campsite reet close too. Remember to take a bent pin. (For the well, not the campsite, sadly they don't accept bent pins as legal tender)

LauraC Jun 4, 2009 16:34:24

Replying to goffik

Just came across a mention of it in the Monthly Chronicles of North-Country Lore and Legend from July 1888, where it's refered to as the "Fairy, Wishing, Maiden, or Pin Well". Apparently on May Day a procession used to be formed and marched through the town to the well, where people dropped a crooked pin in to the well whilst making a wish in the belief that the fairy or genus who presided over the well would grant the wish.

It's a beautiful spot, very worth a visit!