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Written by webmaster
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"O YE WELLS, BLESS YE THE LORD: PRAISE HIM AND MAGNIFY HIM FOR EVER." - Carved into the top of the Wells.
The Wells at Bisley have been in their current form since the Revd Thomas Keble restored them in 1863, which was in the same period that All Saints' Church, behind the Wells, was also restored.
The original 5 spring outlets were added to with the 2 that now run out to the sides of the crescent.
Bisley is famous for being one of the very few villages that performs a well dressing ceremony on Ascension Day each year, to give thanks for the waters.
The ceremony starts with the local schoolchildren and villagers taking part in a special service in the Church. As is customary, the two oldest boys and two oldest girls dress in the old Blue Coat uniform, and along with all the other children and a brass band, process to the Wells carrying floral tributes: two stars of David, the letters that make up the word 'Ascension', the numerals of the current year, and the letters 'A' and 'D'. These are laid on the Wells, with smaller tributes, and after a blessing ceremony conducted by the vicar, are left for everyone to see.
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Last Updated ( Friday, 05 October 2007 )
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