Images from 1960
Three of these images were taken by myself on 23rd April 1960, the coloured one in 1983. The setting was modern at the time, in that the cover of the well had been made by British archaeologist Frederick Bligh Bond and had a celtic design on the top (not visible in photo). This was preserved and used on a new cover made in the 1980s.
Looking down into the well, the water level can just be seen. A lintel at the rear, where a gap can just about be discerned between it and the water level, is in fact part of an originally above-ground structure which could be emptied. A fully grown person can stand up easily inside. Over many centuries the ground level has risen due to silting up.
The interior of the well
In 1960 this was the public access for the contstantly flowing spring water of the well, which produces about 25,000 gallons a day without fail. A metal cup on a chain was provided, but anyone with a jug could go outside into the nearby lane and help themselves from the overflow! It is rich in iron and other common minerals found in underground springs. Scientific evidence of any healing properties has not been found, and it is no surprise that an early 20th century attempt to commercialise the well as a healing spa met with no success due to the high failure rate. Latter-day "New Age" trustees of the well and garden have created a very impressive and peaceful place here, and the water, now more highly filtrated, flows over a set piece of stones to form a waterfall. A separate meditation space has been made further up the slope of the garden where visitors can drink the water. There is a charge for entrance. On my first visit, what is now Chalice Well garden was simply a sloping field, with a path to the well made by the plodding of human feet! The well in 1983. 
