Perhaps Clerkenwell’s most understated treasure is its namesake. The Clerk’s Well stands as a testament to London’s rich history. It whispers tales of medieval gatherings and sacred plays.
Clerkenwell itself derives its identity from this very well. “Clerken” in Middle English meant cleric or clergyman. This well was where London’s parish clerks once gathered.
Imagine this place bustling with activity. It was not just a source of water. It was a stage for annual mystery plays. These plays were based on biblical themes. They drew crowds from far and wide.
The Clerk’s Well has links to a religious past. St Mary’s nunnery once stood nearby. The Benedictine nuns likely used its waters. Adjoining the nunnery was St John’s Priory. It was the headquarters of the Knights Hospitallers.
Let’s jump forward in time. The well faded from prominence. It was rediscovered in 1924. It had been lost and filled with rubbish.
Today, the Clerk’s Well is part of a modern office block. This building is called Well Court. The well is visible through a window on Farringdon Lane. You can still see the water within.
The structure itself is a stone-built circular chamber. Tudor brick is also visible. Part of the chamber formed the boundary wall of St Mary’s Priory.
Once, a pump stood at the corner of Ray Street. This pump was connected to the Clerk’s Well. The spring was chalybeate. This means it contained iron. It was first recorded in 1174.
An inscription from 1800 speaks of the well’s importance. It mentions the parish clerks and their sacred plays. It notes the water’s esteem by the local religious orders.
You might wonder about the name Clark’s Well. It is another name for the Clerk’s Well. Both refer to the same historic site.
The Clerk’s Well is more than just a water source. It is a memorial to London’s past. It links us to medieval traditions. It reminds us of the city’s religious heritage.
To see the Clerk’s Well up close contact the Islington Local History Centre. They manage access to the well. They can arrange visits by appointment.
As you gaze through the window consider its layers of history. The Clerk’s Well is a hidden gem. It is a reminder of Clerkenwell’s origins. It is where sacred plays met daily life.