Monument record MDO30083 - Medieval wells in Enmore Green, Shaftesbury

There were formerly three or four large wells on Enmore Green, which supplied Shaftesbury with water from the medieval period onwards. This continued until the nineteenth century when the wells were filled up and cartage of water from Enmore Green was discontinued shortly after 1844. The precise location of these wells is uncertain.

There were formerly three or four large wells on Enmore Green, which supplied Shaftesbury with water from the medieval period onwards. Many people derived their living from carrying water. This continued until the nineteenth century when the wells were filled up and cartage of water from Enmore Green was discontinued shortly after 1844. The precise location of these wells is uncertain, but there were many wells in Enmore Green. (1) Hutchins

On Enmore Green are three or four large wells which supplied Shaftesbury with water. From time immemorial water was brought by persons and horses, and at one time a reservoir was constructed on the top of the Butter Cross (ST 82 SE 20). Many people derived their living from carrying water. There was an ancient agreement whereby the Mayor of Shaftesbury and other persons attended a special ceremony at Encombe the Monday before Holy Thursday (Full details are given in the Manor Rolls of Gillingham, 6th March, 1527 and again in 1633).

About the beginning of the 19th century a Mayor refused to comply with the custom, and the wells were filled up. The ceremony was finally discontinued in 1830, though cartage of water from Enmore continued until shortly after 1844. (1)

No spring or well was seen which could be identified with the Medieval sites. From enquiries of local residents it seems that most of the cottages formerly had their own wells or springs. Two public watering places are of modern brick construction. (2)

<2> Edwards, D W, Field Investigator's Comments DE, F1 DE 01-FEB-56 (Unpublished document). SDO18341.

Record last edited

Jul 22 2024 4:55PM