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Newly restored Devon Well is vandalised

Submitted by Maia on Tuesday, 22 February 2005  Page Views: 2480

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In a small woodland in South Devon an ancient 'pagan' spring was contained for use by the Bishop of Exeter in the mid C14th. He used the water for the benefit of his nearby 'Palace'. Nearby there is evidence of ancient earthworking, neolithic mounds and banks. An Iron Age Fort is a short walk away up the hill. Some parts of this small woodland are very precious both for archaeological and historical reasons. The wildlife is returning and there are rare trees in this copse.


The well housing is fairly unique in design for the period. It is a 'mushroom', and is deep enough for a person to stand in. The Well was neglected for many years, and was almost hidden forever, covered by leaf mould.

Recently, the land was bought and the Well has been cleared and in the process of being restored for all to enjoy. It was reblessed (using the Catholic Well Blessing to honour the Priest builders).

2 days after the ritual some frustrated motorbikers (who had been asked not to continue their illegal offroad activites over the site) penetrated the well with large timbers and cement. Their anger was directed at the one area which was not 'living' and is a heritage treasure.

Fortunately, quick action saved any lasting damage to the structure, but we are left with great sadness that some of our fellows have no respect or understanding of the importance of our ancestors use of land

Contributor Bio for Maia: Based in South West UK, contributing since 2002.

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"Newly restored Devon Well is vandalised" | Login/Create an Account | 5 News and Comments
  
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Re: Newly restored Devon Well is vandalised by Anonymous on Thursday, 24 June 2010
What a shame.
I'd suggest publicising it as much as you can locally, the reward should help to identify the people concerned. It doesn't sound like the usual moronic vandalism, more like the actions of more than one person with a grudge who wanted it totally destroyed.

Is it standing in anyone's way, does someone stand to gain financially or otherwise if it's not there any more?







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Re: Newly restored Devon Well is vandalised by Maia on Thursday, 24 June 2010
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Update
Further damage has been done to both the 14th Century well structure, and the accompanying 19th Century pump house.
Sadly we are losing these heritage buildings to the actions of unknown persons. The pump house was constructed about 1860 by Munro of the Temperance Society, for use with his healthy living therapy associated with the Society's teachings in Dawlish. He placed a pipe inside the 14th Century well. This beautiful well was constructed by the monks for Bishop John de Grandisson around 1350.
Some persons unknown have removed the roof and pushed down the walls of the pump house. Later they used the brick debris to assault the stone biuilt well head, smashing the shaped ancient red devon sandstones to fragments, before throwing all debris far and wide.
We have recorded this as a crime, and we are offering a reward leading to their arrest and charge. For my own part I am still in state of disbelief that anyone could cause damage to anything so special.
Maia


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Re: Newly restored Devon Well is vandalised by enkidu41 on Tuesday, 22 February 2005
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Idiots?? You're too kind Ocifant. I have in mind a much more appropriate epithet.
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    Re: Newly restored Devon Well is vandalised by ocifant on Tuesday, 22 February 2005
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    Idiots?? You're too kind

    I've been told that before, but hanging, drawing and quartering is apparently illegal these days... Namby pamby softies!
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Re: Newly restored Devon Well is vandalised by ocifant on Tuesday, 22 February 2005
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Any evidence? Any possibility of bringing charges against these idiots?
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