Red Pump Well, Canterbury
The name "Red Well" or "Red Pump Well" has been around for a long time, and there's a local story that it sometimes produced red coloured water. This was conveniently linked to the martyrdom of Thomas A'Becket but as the area is well-known for its chalybeate springs I suggest that the latter explanation might be closer to the truth. |
| A very informative website contains a number of useful references: "...and in April, 1870, a well, no doubt the "Old Red Pump Well," was discovered in the middle of Palace Street, opposite Mr. Mummery's. It was 4 feet wide, and compactly made of flint work - a very ancient well." "The Rush Market, where rushes were sold, was held at the Red Well; a red pump as a sign on a house in Palace Street still indicates the locality. The demand for rushes arose from the almost universal practice of strewing them upon the floors of houses before the use of carpets became general." "1838 Mrs. Mary Keen, The Red Pump, Tailor & Clothier, 27 Palace Street." |
| The 1851 census lists: 27, Palace St (Red Pump) - Jack Holloway - Leather Seller/Foreman (employing 1 boy). |
| The Kentish Gazette 13-17 Aug 1790 advertises "W. Ansell, Canterbury - Wholesale and retail business, soap, candles, grocer etc. Warehouse near the Red Pump, Palace Street." |