Monument record 1160/0/253 - Scarlet well

Occupied the western margin of the medieval/post-medieval town. The mineral composition of the water is believed to have been important for the dying of scarlet cloth during the medieval period.

{1} The well occupied the western margin of the medieval and later town. Other modern place or street names hereabouts refer to water and it is speculated that the name Scarlet Well may originally have derived from dyeing, tanning or other related activity. It may be located by a small rectangle shown on the 1st edition Os map. No visible element of Scarlet Well is any longer visible but there is potential for buried remains.

{5} A brick building was erected in 1837. In 1712. Morton says 'it is now distinguished for its ancient fame. Hither, according to the tradition of the town, the Londoners sent their cloths to be dyed scarlet, wherein this spring excelled, as they say, all others in the kingdom, but upon the discovery of the scarlet grain it became neglected, and has been so ever since.'

{6} 'Scarletstrete' appears in documentary sources during the mid-15th century, but the importance of the water of Scarletwell may date back much further. The mineral composition of the well's water, particularly rich in iron and calcium, may have helped fasten madder, and later kermes, dyes.

{7} Photo noted as being the site of the Scarlet Well, dated 7th February 1971;

<1> Cadman, G., 2012, Note on the Location of Scarlet Well, Northampton, (checked) (Note). SNN108577.

<2> Noble; Butlin, 1746, Town Map, (checked) (Map). SNN430.

<3> Roper; Cole, 1807, Map of The Town of Northampton, (checked) (Map). SNN621.

<4> Ordnance Survey, 1880s, First Edition Ordnance Survey 25 Inch Mapping Series (45.09), (checked) (Map). SNN106108.

<5> Whellan W., 1849, History, Gazetteer and Directory of Northamptonshire, p. 159 (Directory). SNN100427.

<6> Holder, S, In progress, Northampton c.1300-1350 : trade, governance and society in an East Midlands borough (Thesis). SNN116964.

<7> Miss June Swann, 1960s- 70s, Miss June Swann Photographic Archive (Photographs). SNN116665.

Record last edited

Dec 9 2025 9:50AM