Clerk'S Well And Chamber/Enclosure In Basement Of Number 16

Clerk's Well and chamber/enclosure is located in the left side of the basement of No. 16 Farringdon Lane. This well dates back to around 1174 and has been altered, with the pump spout added in 1800. It is constructed of brick and stone, featuring 20th-century cement pointing and a low stone curb. The circular well is situated within a rectangular enclosure made of medieval ashlar, which has been repaired with 16th and 17th-century plumby-red brick set in English bond. The floor is paved with stone. The north-east and northwest sides of the enclosure remain intact, with the north-east wall likely being part of the precinct wall of St. Mary's Priory. The well is covered by a wooden batten cover with strap hinges, the date of which is unknown. An iron plate set in the wall above provides a brief account of the well, and the pump spout projects from it. Historically, the well is mentioned by Fitzstephen in 1174 and described by Stow as being 'curbed about square with hard stone' just west of the churchyard wall of Clerkenwell Church. The church and the district were named after the well, which was associated with the parish clerks who presented Passion plays there during the medieval period. The spring was equipped with a pump in 1800. The plate is preserved in the well chamber. The well was closed in 1857 and rediscovered in 1924. It is now maintained by Islington Borough Council.