Well dressing is one of Derbyshire's and the Peak District's best known, most popular and colourful customs. Well dressing dates back hundreds of years, and though there have been religious associations, the true origins remain unknown. Well dressing is celebrated in more than sixty towns and villages throughout Derbyshire. Each village taking part in this custom has its own jealously guarded version and designs worked out months beforehand are not revealed until the last possible moment. Today's wells are decorated with flower petals, berries, moss, cones and seeds, which are pressed into clay held in a wooden framework. It is a difficult task combining hard work and artistic dexterity. The clay is cleansed of all impurities, and the frames are then soaked to prevent the clay from drying out. The frames often have rows of protruding nails which help to prevent the damp clay from falling away when the frames are standing. For Well Dressing dates please see Derbyshire & Peak District Well Dressing dates 2007

1. Tissington Well Dressing 2007 2. Etwall Well Dressing 2007 3. Ashford in the Water Well Dressing 2007 4. Aston on Trent Well Dressing 2007 5. Bakewell Dressing 2007 6. Belper Dressing 2007

All photos on this web site © Edward Rokita
Not to be reproduced without permission.

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