Builders uncover hidden 'mindblowing' medieval well in city centre

Builders uncover hidden 'mindblowing' medieval well in city centreBuilders have uncovered a well-kept medieval well in the heart of this North Yorkshire city that is already boasting in rich history - and plans are underway for it to become a feature attractionCommentsNewsNiamh Kirk Lifestyle Writer12:44, 13 Apr 2026Updated 13:01, 13 Apr 2026View 2 ImagesA builder believes he was the first person to enter the well in hundreds of yearsIt's not every day you come across a piece of medieval ruins that serve as a reminder of British history.‌While it's common for builders to come across blasts from the past during excavations, builders in the cathedral city of Ripon have struck historical gold.‌A 42ft (12.8m) well, believed to date back to medieval times, has been discovered in "excellent condition" during a £400,000 revamp of the Halls of Ripon Department Store.‌It was discovered by the contractors during groundwork for a new courtyard in the history-rich city with a wool trading past, which is tucked in between the Yorkshire Dales and North Yorkshire Moors.Robert Sterne, whose firm Sterne Properties is leading the works, told the BBC: "The plan is to put a secure reinforced glass cover on it and make the well a special feature."READ MORE: The British market town that's 'essentially unchanged and uninfluenced by the world'View 2 ImagesThe well was in "excellent condition" according to experts‌The well was inspected by builder Paul Fountain and his son Ollie, as well as mountaineering instructor Pete Breckon. The builder was assisted on an abseil down the well with climbing ropes by Breckon, and called it a "mind-blowing experience". Believing he may be the first person in hundreds of years to go down the well, he said the stonework was top notch.Chair of Ripon Civic Society Richard Taylor called the unearthed well an "impressive discovery" and noted that other wells had been found arou...