More information : NZ 3198 6415 Bede's Well (NR) (1)
A holy well at Monkton known as Bede's Well where children troubled
with disease or infirmity were customarily dipped. A midsummer fair
was also held here. The well has been recently enclosed. Gde 1. (2-4)
Bede's Well is situated in a marshy area and no portion is visible
above ground level. Only the iron railings, which have been placed
around the well for protection, are visible. (5)
The enclosure ('A' at NZ 319885 641573), which Authority 5 states
surrounds Bede's Well in 1952, has been completely destroyed and the
site is now covered by rubble and partly used as an unofficial rubbishtip. There is no trace of the well or even any water. At 'B' NZ 319945641643 is a brick structure (1.0m high, 2.5m E-W and 2.0m N-S) partly
covered on its NE side by slopes. A manhole cover in the top of this
structure reveals piped flowing water about 2.0m below. Local people
say this is "Bede's Well" but it would appear to be no more than the
piped drain from "Bede's Burn" which sinks in marshy ground about
50.0m to the W. As there is some 10.0m difference between this
structure 'B' and the iron railing site 'A' and it is on the opposite
side of the old course of "Bede's Burn" it is very doubtful if
the locals are correct. Site only - no remains. (6)
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