Well Lane Interpretation Board
Well Lane
Well Lane has been at the heart of the village for centuries. Near the end of the spur behind Copperhill Terrace stood the public well, replaced by a pump in the late 1800s and closed in 1908 by the Health Authorities as the water no longer met the required standard. Fortunately, mains water had arrived in Hamble a few years earlier.
Village Pump Near End of Well Lane Spur, Early 1900s
The stones used to build the retaining wall along the Well Lane spur are reputed to have come from Henry VIII's St Andrew's Castle on Hamble Common, after it fell derelict.
The current lead pump dates from 1776.
Digging a Well
A strong iron hoop was placed on the ground at the dig site, with a low brick wall built on top.
The well was then dug inside and beneath it, undermining the hoop and bricks, causing them to sink.
As digging progressed, more bricks were added to the lining wall at ground level.
One person worked at the bottom digging while another removed the waste by bucket from above.
Once the water source was reached and the wall complete, a simple windlass was fitted, usually protected by a tile roof.
© Hamble-le-Rice Parish Council and pictures Ian Underdown
