The Open-Air Mission
‘Holding forth the word of life...’
(Philippians 2:16)
(Philippians 2:16)
‘Holding fast the faithful word...’
(Titus 1:9)
(Titus 1:9)
© The Open-Air Mission 2007
History
The ancient tradition of preparing Well Dressings is a custom that goes back as far as 1349 when a plague broke out in the county of Derbyshire; Tissington was one of the villages that escaped the plague due to the purity of the water, or so it is believed. Out of gratitude the wells were decorated with flowers. Two hundred and sixty years later there was a very severe drought. The village of Tissington, however continued to enjoy a plentiful supply of water, and once again flowers were placed by the side of the well as a token of gratitude.
In 1758, Nicholas Hardings, Clerk to the House of Commons, wrote, "At Tissington, Fitz-Herberts village, we saw the springs adorned with garlands. In one there was a tablet inscribed with rhymes composed by a schoolmaster in honour of these fountains ." In the 19th century a significant change of technique took place that has developed into the style that we recognise today. The idea of placing flower petals onto wet clay is believed to have come from Italy. Over the years this tradition of decorating wells has spread to many towns and villages all over the county. The subject and style will vary from village to village.
Tissington Festival
It is the village of Tissington that has become famous for its Well Dressings and visitors come from all over the country and indeed the world, to see these beautiful works of art. The festival always begins on Ascension Day and there is a service in St. Mary's Church. The festival in fact lasts for six days and is well worth a visit. The village of Tissington is set in some of the most picturesque parts of the County of Derbyshire not far from Dovedale, where you will see the famous "Stepping Stones." It is here you are surrounded by countryside that is breathtaking, there is so much magnificent scenery to be admired. The beautiful village of Tissington is found in the county of Derbyshire just off the Ashbourne to Buxton road about two miles beyond the village of Fenny Bently. In the centre of the village is Tissington Hall owned by the Fitz-Herberts whose ancestors have resided here for generations. The Hall dates back to Jacobean times and is an excellent example of it's period with impressive gates wrought by Derbyshire's own celebrated blacksmith, Robert Bakewell.
The Hall is open to the public on certain days in the summer months and there are beautiful gardens to be admired. Opposite the Hall is St. Mary's Church. which dates back to the twelfth century. There is the village pond and close by, is the village Post Office and the village Hall. A recent addition to the village are the Tea Rooms, that are well worthwhile visiting. There is also a small Garden Centre, which is also worth a visit.
Towards the back of the village is a small Methodist Chapel where you may wish to see a video "More about the Making and the Message of the Well Dressing" which will give you the history, how the Well Dressings are put together, as well as the message all in the space of about twenty minutes. This video will certainly give you an appreciation of the message that is meant to be conveyed through many of the stories being depicted by the Well Dressings in the village.
Towards the back of the village is a small Methodist Chapel where you may wish to see a video "More about the Making and the Message of the Well Dressing" which will give you the history, how the Well Dressings are put together, as well as the message all in the space of about twenty minutes. This video will certainly give you an appreciation of the message that is meant to be conveyed through many of the stories being depicted by the Well Dressings in the village.