Tissington

Well dressing was revived here in the 17th century by Mary Twigg. It started as Garlands of flowers being hung at wells as a thanksgiving because the wells did not run dry in the severe drought of 1615. Nowadays, it is far more elaborate with each well having up to twenty people, mainly from the village, building large frames used to hold a picture composed of natural materials such as flower petals, moss, lichens, bark, and wool.

The six wells in Tissington are the first in the year to be dressed. This occurs in May on Ascension day. They always have a religious theme and only once have two wells been decorated with a similar design. On Ascension day a procession visits all the wells, starting at the Hall Well. When the throng reach each well, the well is blessed by the Bishop of Derby.

The Yew Tree well is interesting because it is only since the 1970s that is has water all year round. Before then, the water was pumped to a small reservoir above the village which then supplied the whole village with mains water. During the week of the well dressing, the Yew Tree well was actually filled with water from this reservoir! Nowadays, the well is no longer used to fill the reservoir, and so has water in it all year round.

Well Dressing dates for 2008 are Thursday 1st May to Wednesday 7th May.

There is also Tissington Hall, a pleasant village duck pond, and access to the Tissington Trail.

Tissington Hall is open to the public for 28 days each year. In addition, groups (e.g. walking groups, WI, historical societies) can be taken around at any time of the year..