Location

Originally there was a pant on the east side of Canongate, at the foot of Church Hill. Later it was moved to the other side of the road.

Description

Tate reports that: The Church Well was repaired by the corporation in 1737; and in 1778, "a new pant was erected near the church," and to James Johnson was paid 2s. 6d. "for cutting the Town's arms,"—St. Michael killing the dragon—on this pant. It then stood on the east side of the highway leading to Canongate, at the base of the church hill; but as it interfered with some proposed improvement of the churchyard, the churchwardens applied for its removal to the opposite side of the road, and this was acceeded to on the condition that the stone panel with the town's arms, though worn and defaced by time, should be built into the new pant, and that sufficient space should be left, so that the freemen could ride round it according to ancient custom.

This image is captioned "Spout Well Pump" and dated 1843. We think it may show the original church pant. The current pant is octagonal, but this is not. However, this one carries a similar plaque. Note the "skeel" collecting water.

Sandstone pillar, holding a panel with a carving of St Michael and dragon. There is an iron knob, which presumably controlled a valve. There is a wooden door at the rear. There are two dates: one on the carving of St Michael, 177? (presumably 1778, when it was constructed) and one the crest above 1848(?), presumably recording the date it was moved to this location.

Perhaps this trough below the Parish Hall was the original location of the church well?

Owner

To be determined

Status

TBD

Condition

Generally good condition, paintwork is fairly new. Carving is eroded.

Suggestions for improvement

No major maintenance issues. Record carving before it deteriorates further. Can anything be done to inhibit erosion? Ensure this is considered for EH listing.