As water shortage worsens, Banburyshire group explores network of ancient wells
As the country begins to realise water may not always be on tap, a group near Banbury is uncovering a number of old wells in its historic village.
The location and preservation of Bloxham’s wells is being organised by the group who made global headlines for its exploration of underground tunnels beneath the north Oxfordshire village.
The Bloxham Underground Tunnel Society (BUTS) intends to locate, research, record and preserve the old wells that were once the only supply of drinking water for households.
David Green said: “Water is one of the Earth’s most precious and valuable resources. As climate change places increasing pressure on water supplies, it is more important than ever to protect, preserve and appreciate historic water sources.
“By documenting the history of our wells and encouraging landowners and the local community to restore and maintain them, we hope to ensure these important features are not lost to future generations.”
Where possible, BUTS supports cleaning and restoration of the wells – and if communities wish, cleansing in a spiritual way. The Feoffees well in Bloxham – once managed by the Feoffees (trustees, holding land or property for public, religious or charitable use) it was cleaned both ways by the BUTS wells group at the weekend.
"We recognize that many wells have long been places of gathering, reflection and local tradition,” said Mr Green.
“Through research, exploration, education and community involvement, we aim to raise awareness of Bloxham’s remarkable underground heritage and to help safeguard its historic wells as an important part of the village’s past and its future.
“Bloxham has a good supply of wells and it shows how important they were and still are. Bloxham has a very interesting geological map. There is a water line that runs through Bloxham producing springs which feed wells,” said Mr Green.
“Bloxham is full of Marlestone (ironstone) which contains cracks, joints and spore spaces. Rain falling on higher ground can soak into these openings and travel through the rock, creating a spring.
“In ancient times people used wells because the water was cleaner. Villagers would wash their clothes in the brook; they would tip the toilet bucket into the brook and animals like sheep and cattle would wade in the brook.
“People would congregate by a well and some would hold a spiritual gathering there.”
Old maps of Bloxham show numerous springs and wells although many have been covered over.
"We have already been exploring different well locations and hopefully we have found the lost ancient holy well,” said Mr Green.
On Sunday BUTS wells group members visited the ancient Feoffees well and gave it a good clean. They removed lots of silt to improve the surrounding habitat and to allow the water to flow more freely, providing, clean drinkable water.
Linda Robinson from the group also gave the well spiritual cleansing using a traditional singing bowl.
BUTS members are naturally drawn to wells because of their connection with tunnels, providing an air shaft. An inspection day will take place in the coming weeks, hopefully revealing more secrets of the wells and maybe allowing some to return to use.