Reasons for Designation
Well houses are medieval structures built to protect and supply water to
institutions such as monasteries and abbeys. They are small, typically stone
built structures placed over a spring or near several water sources. The water
which was collected in a stone or lead tank was transported to its destination
in lead pipes or gutters. The surrounding structure protected the tank from
contamination.
The Monk's Well conduit house at Monkton Farleigh is a well-preserved and
complete example which has probably supplied water to the priory and manor
house since the early 12th century. This example is notable for its unusually
steep pitched roof of limestone slabs.
Details
The monument includes the Monk's Well, a 14th century conduit house which is
situated on a limestone rise to the west of Monkton Farleigh Manor House. The
building is 2.73m square, and built of local limestone. The roof is steep,
constructed from limestone slabs reaching a height of 3m, and supported inside
by four stone ribs. The wooden door is located in the east wall facing towards
the manor house. Above the door there is a small slot window flanked on each
side by a square window. The floor of the conduit house is some 0.5m below
ground level. Water flows from a springline further up the slope along a
conduit through the back wall and into a stone tank set into the ground. From
here it drains into a pipe which runs to the manor which is still supplied
from this source.
The upper part of the building was rebuilt in 1784 and the name `Squire
Turner' is carved into the front wall with this date.
The Monk's Well, which is a Listed Building Grade II, was built to protect the
water supply of the Cluniac priory at Monkton Farleigh which was founded soon
after 1120 and dissolved in 1536. The remains of the priory are part of the
current manor house which is protected as a Listed Building Grade I. The manor
house and priory are not included in the scheduling.
A free-standing water filter system inside the building is excluded from the
scheduling although the ground beneath is included.
Legacy
The contents of this record have been generated from a legacy data system.
Legacy System number:
33529
Legacy System:
RSM
Sources
Books and journals
Legal
This monument is scheduled under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979 as amended as it appears to the Secretary of State to be of national importance. This entry is a copy, the original is held by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.
End of official list entry
