The well at Berkswell, with its life-giving water, has been at heart of the community for hundreds of years.
Indeed, in the sixth century travelling monks from Lichfield baptised the local chieftain, Bercul, in the well thus giving the settlement its early name, Bercul’s Well.
Over time the name Bercul’s Well has became corrupted to Berkswell.
Even today, the Rector at Berkswell will conduct baptisms at the Well if parents request it – this is more usually done in the warmer months rather than in the winter!
In the Victorian era, the well was modernised with new surrounding stone walls and a separate area for washing clothes.
Later, it was fenced in for public safety and today the fencing has had to be replaced because it was becoming unsafe.
Berkswell Charities and Berkswell Parish Council have come together to jointly fund the new English oak, like-for-like fencing which has been expertly installed by local company J Hubbard & Sons. It should keep children safe from falling into the Well for many years to come!
Although no-one owns the Grade-2 listed Well, it is an important village asset and is visited by hundreds of people each year.
