Hi
I own a Victorian House - built in 1896, in Derbyshire, UK.
I discovered today that covered over by a concrete patio is a 14ft (at least) water well! Proper brick construction, hexagonal in shape. About 4 foot wide. There is about 10 feet of water in it and abround 4 5 feet of sediment.
I have emptied about 5 feet of water by hand, using a bucket, which has exposed the brickwork and a clay pipe that appears to feed into it at a slight downward angle, suggesting to me that water feeds into it from somewhere. But it may equally be a spring fed well, perhaps.
The water in it was a little smelly, but relatively clear, so definately contained rain water or underground water.
I very much want to keep this superb find! I intend to build it up into a traditional Jack & Gill style wishing well with a little roof etc, but will need to cap it was an iron grill or some kind of safety cap.
Before I do that, though, I want to drain the water it holds and empty the sediment. But I'd like to rummage through the sediment to see if it contains any relics!
How can I pump out this much water and sediment myself, from that kind of depth? Do hire companies sell such pumping devices? If so, what are they called as I know not what to ask for.
Also, I have contacted a local historian (waiting a reply) but is there anything I have to do legally? Do I HAVE to notify the council, for example?
Thanks a lot
View media item 80575
I own a Victorian House - built in 1896, in Derbyshire, UK.
I discovered today that covered over by a concrete patio is a 14ft (at least) water well! Proper brick construction, hexagonal in shape. About 4 foot wide. There is about 10 feet of water in it and abround 4 5 feet of sediment.
I have emptied about 5 feet of water by hand, using a bucket, which has exposed the brickwork and a clay pipe that appears to feed into it at a slight downward angle, suggesting to me that water feeds into it from somewhere. But it may equally be a spring fed well, perhaps.
The water in it was a little smelly, but relatively clear, so definately contained rain water or underground water.
I very much want to keep this superb find! I intend to build it up into a traditional Jack & Gill style wishing well with a little roof etc, but will need to cap it was an iron grill or some kind of safety cap.
Before I do that, though, I want to drain the water it holds and empty the sediment. But I'd like to rummage through the sediment to see if it contains any relics!
How can I pump out this much water and sediment myself, from that kind of depth? Do hire companies sell such pumping devices? If so, what are they called as I know not what to ask for.
Also, I have contacted a local historian (waiting a reply) but is there anything I have to do legally? Do I HAVE to notify the council, for example?
Thanks a lot
View media item 80575