Tissington Well Dressing III. Service at the Yew Tree Well

Tissington Well Dressing III. Service at the Yew Tree Well, After visiting other wells, the procession comes to the Yew Tree or Goodwinís Well, where the concluding service is held. Throughout, the religious spirit is most marked. The villagers regard the festival as one of thanksgiving to God for a bountiful supply of pure water, are indignant at the suggestion that it is of pagan origin, and declare that it was first held in Tissington when neighbouring villages were suffering severely through drought. As a consequence they are reverent and devout, and the visitors, recognising their motives, conduct themselves accordingly, with the result that the procession is really a religious ceremony. When, however, the perambulation of the village is over, a gayer spirit reigns. Worship gives way to mirth and jollity, open house is kept everywhere, friends from neighbouring villages are welcomed, and, finally, there is a dance on the green. From ìSir Benjamin Stoneís Picturesî pub.1906, Tissington. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)