Well Dressing at Tissington

A most unpromising start to the day with heavy rain, but the forecast was set to brighten up, so I cajoled Len into coming with Basil and me to see the well dressing at Tissington.

Although we've lived in the East Midlands off and on for over 35 years, we've never ventured into the Peak District to see this before. It turned out to be a lovely day, and what's more, because the weather had been so poor in the morning, we weren't overwhelmed by other tourists.

Well dressing has become a tourist draw in the Peak District. Around 100 events are scheduled or planned for 2015.

Tissington is said to be the original venue for well dressing. It's said that the Black Death of 1349 did not affect Tissington which was attributed to the purity of its water supplies, so every year on Ascension Day, the villagers, all of whom contribute to the festival, dress their five wells with natural plants and flower petals in thanks. 

The photo shows the Coffin Well, so named because the water source is enclosed in a stone cavity shaped like a coffin. Three of the well dressings celebrated VE day. The Hand Well, celebrated the contribution of women to the war effort. 

Tell that to whoever compiled the slideshow shown in the church, who emphasised the biblical texts depicted, and not the human contribution.