Discover Clerkenwell’s watery origins at this drop-in open afternoon.
Dating to the 12th century, the Clerks’ Well owes its name to the parish clerks of London who would perform biblical plays around it. The well was so notable that Clerkenwell was named after it!
The well supplied fresh water to clerks, nuns and the people of Clerkenwell for hundreds of years. John Strype wrote in 1720 that the water was “excellently clear, sweet, and well tasted”.
During the 19th century, the water supply had diminished and eventually became so polluted the local vestry closed the well. Over time it filled with rubble, disappearing from maps. Excavators rediscovered the well during the 1924 redevelopment of Farringdon Lane and it has since been managed by Islington Council.
Today, the Grade I listed well is typically accessible by appointment only, so this is a unique opportunity to see one of the area’s hidden gems up close.
This event is being held in conjunction with Islington Museum’s temporary exhibition ‘Undercurrent: Islington’s Lost Waterways’, on display 11 April – 19 August 2025. The museum is located at 245 St John St., EC1V 4NB.
Please note, there is limited space available to view the well, so only a small number of people may be inside at any one time.
Clerks’ Well open afternoon
Tuesday 17th June, 12-3pm
Well Court, 14-16 Farringdon Lane, EC1R 3AU
Drop-in, no booking required.
