Gazetteer of
British Place Names

Bede's Well was a spring named after the famous Jarrow monk who reputedly discovered it in County Durham. Located between Hebburn and Jarrow, it sits in a now-culverted stream called Bede’s Burn between Hebburn and Jarrow in County Durham. By the late 19th century there seems to have been a belief that the well’s water had medicinal qualities and was customary to immerse diseased children into the well to cure ailments or use it as a wishing well. In the late 19th century the well was in danger of being buried due to the tipping of slag in the area. Local people were concerned and campaigned for it to be protected. Money was raised and a brick wall and iron railings were placed around it. It was believed the railings were there to prevent people from plummeting down the well, when in fact there was nowhere to plummet to as it was solid ground. Today it is uncared for and untended in a secluded grassy dip, encircled by overgrown trees. It is within the council area of South Tyneside.
Historic England Grade II Listed 1025201.

Place Type: Holy Well
Historic County: Durham
Lat, Long: 54.971002,-1.5018619
Grid Reference: NZ 3198 6415
Council Area: South Tyneside CA
Strategic Authority Area: North East SA
Police Area: Northumbria PA

GBPN ID: 299833
Entry Type: Main listing (P)
URL: https://gazetteer.org.uk/place/Bede's_Well,_Durham_299833

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