Wishing Well In Corner Of Enclosure To Former Hollinshead Hall

SD 61 NE TOCKHOLES (off) TOCKHOLES ROAD

6/78 "Wishing Well" in corner of enclosure - to former Hollinshead Hall

• II

Building enclosing well or spring, probably C18. Sandstone rubble with dressings, stone slate roof. Single cell built into slope, with open forecourt protected by high walls which have stone side benches and, at the outer ends, inward-facing chamfered piers with ball finials. Symmetrical gabled facade of wellhouse has chamfered doorway with heavy board door, flanked by single-light chamfered unglazed windows fitted with spear-headed iron bars, and in the gable a large oval opening (matching another which is the only opening in the rear wall). Interior: Vaulted roof with a pendent bell in the centre, stone side benches, diamond-paved floor with central gutter draining from well at centre of rear wall: this is a small sunken stone tank with a reredos of Ionic colonnettes framing an alcove with a crudely carved lion's head and paws, above which is a moulded rectangular surround to a plaque (now missing). Each side of this structure is a rectangular recess enclosing a rectangular pool both linked to that in centre, and in the side walls close to these a small rectangular recess. Described by Abram (Blackburn, 1877) as "an antique well, enclosing a spring of water of curative properties to which, of yore, the name of 'Holy Well' was given".

Listing NGR: SD6637119922