Tissington Well. Photographed by William Blake.

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Date:1900 - 1940 (c.)

Description:Tissington Well, Derbyshire, during the well dressing season.

Well dressing is an ancient custom in which the local water supply is blessed to ward off any evil impurities. Other sources believe that the ritual is to give thanks for the supply of fresh water.

Well dressing is unique to Derbyshire and the Staffordshire Moorlands. The earliest record of the custom is this well at Tissington in 1349.

The custom still takes place in a number of villages, largely to attract tourism, and the season runs from May to September.

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Creators: Mr William Blake - Creator

Donor ref:(40/12318)

Source: The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery

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