I have just heard that Jacob's Well, Bristol, and the complex
water-courses associated with it, plus a nearby historic garden, are
under threat of redevelopment (housing). Local residents and the Temple
Local History Group are trying to get the local council and
archaeological service to recognise the importance of the well and its
environs, and protect it. It is a mediaeval Jewish ritual bath, a
mikveh (as we said in emails only last week) and unique in this country.
One way forward might be to get it scheduled as an ancient monument, but
initial approaches to English Heritage have been discouraging. I have
suggested contacting as many local conservation groups as possible, and
also wells conservation groups like the Wellsprings Fellowship.
But I have little experience in this area. What can list members who
have experience in wells conservation suggest? What can be done to make
people sit up and take notice?
Katy
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Katy Jordan
Faculty Librarian, Engineering & Design
Library & Learning Centre
University of Bath
BATH BA2 7AY
Tel: 01225-826826 X5612
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http://www.bath.ac.uk/~liskmj/home.htm
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