Well
Dressings can be easily visited from our
Peak District Cottages.
The
blessing of the Wells is an ancient custom which is unique to
the Derbyshire Peak District. Although the custom had almost
died out by 1950s it has since seen a major revival especially
in the central and southern Peak District. Well dressing
goes on between May and September with Tissington (the most
famous and largest) usually been the first.
The well
dressings are built on wooden boards with a layer of clay spread
to a depth of a few inches. The design is imprinted on the
clay and petals of flowers, seeds and other Derbyshire items
(such as wool) used to make up the picture. They can be
quite spectacular for the first few days they are up.
After a few days in the Derbyshire sun (or rain) the petal start
to fade and the clay to crack.
For more
details on this years well dressing see
www.welldressing.com
