The Churchyard Well

November 15, 2016 by Carole Mulroney

The Churchyard Well

In 1932 a deep hole was discovered in Leigh churchyard. Many people had different ideas at what it actually was; maybe an entrance to an old vault? Some even thought it might lead to an underground passage used by smugglers!

However, neither suggestion was true, it was in fact the old well that in days gone by had been the ordinary water supply for the folks of Leigh. There was a time when that particular part of the churchyard was the site of the parish pound and the stocks, and the well was there to water cattle.

The well used to be about 20 feet deep but eventually filled up. When it became disused it was covered with a stone top but this had disappeared when the hole was found. After the discovery of the hole, it was covered again so as not to present a hazard.

This article is by Carole Mulroney of Leigh Lives.
Visit Leigh Lives at http://www.leighlives.co.uk/my-leigh-lives