Excavation of Well by The Sheppey Arch. Society

The excavation of the well at Minster Abbey has now been completed. Permission to empty the well shaft, long since filled with earth and rubble, had been granted and the excavation was organized by Mr. B. S. Slade and carried out by members of S.A.S. They found that the well 'bottomed out' at 40 ft., where the stone-lined well-shaft then appeared to be supported on an 18-inch deep rubble footing.

Abbey Gatehouse (12th Century) is a listed building and the well is situated just 1 ft. from the gatehouse north wall.

There is the possibility that the well might be restored and could be turned into a tourist attraction, possibly with a 'well-house' or building erected over it. Legend says that St.

Sexburga, Abbess and founder of Minster Abbey and her holy sisters had vast knowledge of healing waters, herbs and medicines, thus starting the legend about the healing well of Minster.

Brian Slade