Monument record 3589/1 - Red Well

A spring popular in the 15th and 16th centuries. Visited by King Charles in 1628.

{1} A chalybeate spring rising about 1/2 mile north west of the town, it was very celebrated in the 15c/16c and in 1628 King Charles and his queen stayed for a season to drink the waters.

{2} The well is in a poor state of preservation but still issues a substantial amount of water

{3} A medicinal spring called Red-Well lay at the foot of a hill in the open field about half a mile north west of the town. It is said to have been 'a water of some distinction in 1626' and was supposedly visited by the king at this time. Though a role as a spa in the 17th century may have had some impact on the growth of the town it is to industrial production and marketing that one must look for the origins of Wellingborough's success in the post medieval period.

{4} (SP 88326884) Red Well (NR)

<1> Ordnance Survey, 1950s/1960s, Ordnance Survey Record Cards, SP86NE33 (checked) (Index). SNN443.

<2> Cole J., 1837, The History and Antiquities of Wellingborough, p.160 (unchecked) (Book). SNN43829.

<3> Foard G, 1999, Northamptonshire Extensive Urban Survey: Wellingborough (Medieval + Post Medieval), (unchecked) (Digital archive). SNN100339.

<4> Ordnance Survey Map (Scale/date), OS 6" 1958 (Map). SNN112944.

<5> Historic England, Undated, 15TH/16TH CENT. HEALING WELL.KING CHARLES DRANK HERE 1628, F70/10/19 (Archive). SNN113379.

Record last edited

Feb 10 2025 8:08PM