“Mind-blowing” first of its kind 42ft medieval well discovered during works at Ripon store

Builders found the structure, which is 42 feet deep, at Halls of Ripon, in North Yorkshire, during work to expand the shop.

Robert Sterne, whose Ripon-based company owns the building, plans to display the well to visitors, covering it with glass to make “a special feature that will grab attention and drive footfall”.

Barry Cooper, Halls’ director, described the discovery as a “welcome bonus”, saying: “When the work started, we had no idea that we’d find something quite as exciting as that.”

The well was found during the ongoing creation of a lowered courtyard at the rear of the building, which will accommodate a new coffee shop.

It is part of a £400,000 investment being made by Halls. Work will only affect the 1950s rear of the shop, with the mid-19th century, Grade II listed front being unaffected.

Richard Taylor, Chair of Ripon Civic society, told the Yorkshire Post that the well was likely dug during medieval times at the back of a resident’s plot of land – known as a burgage plot. He said that this ‘was common, if the geology was favourable’ as it was an easier way to collect water than from the river.

This well is thought to be the first of its kind to be discovered in Ripon, but Taylor said “we can expect that, actually, most of those burgage plots in Ripon would have had this well”. As a result, it is possible “some exciting discoveries” could be made in the area in the future.

Builder Paul Fountain, who inspected the well, is likely the first person to have been down it in centuries. He described the experience as “mind-blowing”. Blacksmiths’ nails and an original wooden beam were found, and Fountain described the stonework as being in ‘excellent condition’.

Taylor added that pictures showing the well lined with stone blocks, rather than bricks, suggest it was well-constructed.

“It was clearly meant to last, and it has!”, he said.

The discovery is a boost for Ripon, which was established in the 7th century and has a rich heritage. Cooper told the Yorkshire Post that ‘dozens’ of visitors have already tried to see the well, although it is currently covered as work continues.

Lila Bathurst, the Manager of Visit Ripon, said: “This medieval well is a fantastic find for our city. Discoveries like this don’t just add curiosity - they deepen Ripon’s already rich heritage offering and give visitors yet another reason to explore.”

Taylor agrees, adding: “[Ripon’s] unique selling point is its heritage, and the more we can make of it, the better it is for the vitality of the city.

“This is all going to help to bring people into Ripon.”