| Where: | Bisley, Gloucestershire at All Saints Church and the Wells on Wells Road nearby |
| When: | Ascension Day |
| Time: | Service 1.30 pm, Procession 2pm |
Most well-dressing customs take place in Derbyshire and the Peak District, so the tradition at Bisley in Gloucestershire is very unusual for its location. Every Ascension Day afternoon there is a short service in All Saints Church, then pupils in antique costume from Bisley Blue Coat School form a processon through the streets to the wells carrying decorated bearings, accompanied by the clergy and a silver band. The bearings consist of flower covered letters spelling ASCENSION and the date as well as hoops and Stars of David, and you can view them in the school playground before the service, after which a procession follows the local band down to the wells where the bearings are hung up. A blessing and singing follow beside the flower bedecked wells, then all are welcome to a tea provided by the WI inside the Village Hall.The wells were restored in 1863 and the tradition has been upheld ever since.
Helpful Hints
In 2025 Ascension Day falls on Thursday 29th May.
The church service lasts around half-an-hour and is very family friendly.
Click here for the village website: http://bisleyvillage.com/
and here for Bisley Blue Coat: http://www.bisleybluecoat.gloucs.sch.uk
Click here for a first hand account of the day: http://traditionalcustomsandceremonies.wordpress.com/2014/05/31/custom-survived-bisley-ascension-day-well-dressing/
Hi Avril, I got to Bisley Well blessing yesterday for 1st time yesterday which was great find. Only 2 buses a day there from Stroud but the times tied in. April/May has been a hectic period with late easter cycle. It was unique with Oak Apple Day (went Grovelly rights) & Ascension day falling on successive days. Next year the cycle is 2 weeks earlier to spread things out! Regards Hugh
Thanks Hugh that’s useful info! Glad you enjoyed it all!
Regards
Averil