Concerns grow for safety and heritage at St Julian’s Well, Ludlow
Concerns is growing for the fabric of the historic St Julian’s Well on Livesey Road in Ludlow.
The well which is Grade II listed and dates back to the 14th century, has a number of damaged stones and the cover looks to be sinking.
Tracey Huffer, Shropshire Councillor for Ludlow East explains:
“The well is in the middle of the road and has suffered in recent years. A number of stones on the well cover have been damaged. I don’t know whether that is from passing traffic, from grit and salt on the road, or just because the monument is decaying with age.”
“Teenagers sometimes sit on the cover at night and that might be why the cover seems to be sinking. We don’t want the cover to collapse into the space beneath and people to be hurt.
"I have asked for a meeting with heritage officers as soon as possible to ensure the monument is safe and to get repairs underway.”
Andy Boddington, Councillor for Ludlow North is a former archaeologist. He said:
“The well dates back until at least the 14th century, when it served the town and the Augustinian friary. Archaeological investigations suggest that there are well preserved remains of a water conduit below the well head.”
“It is clear this monument is close to the point of structural failure. Urgent action needs to make it safe and repair it. This would also be a good opportunity to conduct archaeological investigations and learn more about the well.”
“The last thing we want is for the well to be fenced off and left to decay for years like the town walls.”
St Julian’s Well is located on a small traffic island on Livesey Road, Ludlow. It is a Grade II Listed Building.
