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Builders unearth medieval well in Ripon city centre

Wednesday, 8 April 2026 11:12

A medieval well has been unearthed in Ripon city centre.

A medieval well believed to date back hundreds of years has been uncovered in Ripon city centre.

The 42-foot-deep structure was discovered near the Marshall Way entrance to Halls of Ripon, while contractors were carrying out groundworks for a new courtyard at the site.

The stonework inside the well is reported to be in good condition, raising the possibility of it becoming a public feature within the development.

Robert Sterne of Sterne Properties said:

“Contractors unearthed the well while groundworks for a new courtyard were underway… the plan is to put a secure reinforced glass cover on it and make the well a special feature that will grab attention and drive footfall.”

A full safety inspection of the well was carried out on Good Friday by builder Paul Fountain, assisted by his son Ollie and mountaineering instructor Peter Breckon, using ropes and a pulley system.

Paul described the experience as “mind-blowing… the first person for hundreds of years to go down the well.”

The discovery is expected to form part of the ongoing transformation of Halls of Ripon, the city’s only department store, where work has been underway to create new retail space for independent businesses.

Among those preparing to open at the site is Sustain, an organic food, drink and coffee shop run by Charlotte Baldwin, who said the well would provide a distinctive link to the city’s heritage.

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