View NNW of St Alkmund's Well, Derby, England, UK, the stone niche to the Medieval well was built by the Revd Henry Cantrell in the early C18th.
View NNW of St Alkmund's Well, Derby, England, UK, the stone niche was built by the Revd Henry Cantrell in the early C18th. The Medieval well is first mentioned around 1190, but probably goes back to the first minster church in Derby dedicated to the Northumbrian martyr St Alkmund (Alcmund) shortly after AD800. Alkmund was a younger son of King Alchred of Northumbria (765-74), known for his good works but murdered around 800 by the usurper King Eardwulf (796- c 805). Miracles were reported at Alkmund's tomb at Lilleshall Abbey, Shropshire, & his body was later translated to Derby where his coffin rested at the well before entering the church. A carved sarcophagus from St Alkmund's, now Derby Museum, is thought to be his coffin. North countrymen would inquire for his well & rest their packs upon it for blessings & cures. The well, now below street level, was formerly in a rural setting, part of St Helen's Park, until the area began to be built up from the early 1800s. The old church was pulled down in 1841, the new one demolished in the 1960s to make way for the Inner Ring Road (St Alkmund's Way). The ancient tradition of dressing the well, revived in 1870, was still alive when this photo was taken in 1996. The well has recently had a facelift after being damaged: iron railings now around three sides & there is an adjacent garden.
Size: 3764px × 4961px
Location: St Alkmund's Well, Well Street/Bath Street, Derby, South Derbyshire, England, UK
Photo credit: © Mick Sharp / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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