In 1348 the plague contaminated water supplies in many villages across Derbyshire, but the village of Tissington was not affected. The local people threw flowers and greenery into the wells and springs to thanks the Gods for their pure water supply.
The tradition spread across Derbyshire and is upheld to this day in Etwall, where a 'Well Dressing' festival is held in May each year. At this year's festival the Etwall Women's Institute decided to celebrate Shakespeare's 450th birthday by using his plays as their inspiration.
The resulting tableaux was created using natural materials pressed lightly onto clay boards to build up a picture on separate boards that unite to stand 9ft high and 7ft wide.
We were delighted to read about the tradition of Well Dressing and to see the intricate results, with many thanks to the Etwall WI for sharing their story with us.
