
For many people throughout the world, the 2nd of November is an important and special day.
It is usually called All Souls’ Day, although it’s also known as ‘the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed’ and ‘the Day of the Dead’. It falls the day after All Saints’ Day (aka All Hallows’ Day), which is preceded by All Hallows’ Eve, or ‘Hallowe’en’, on the 31st of October. The ancient Celtic pagan harvest-time festival ‘Samhain’ (pronounced saa-wain) is also celebrated on the 31st.
Since 2010, the MSA has organised a well-dressing for All Souls’ Day. It is for people of all faiths and beliefs (or none) to remember and cherish departed loved-ones in their own personal way. It also brings balance to the year’s events, falling opposite in the calendar to the May Day Malvern Water and Well Dressing Festival, which coincides with the ‘Beltane’ fertility festival.
The theme of remembrance is always reflected in the dressing. In past years we have dressed the North Malvern Clock Tower, Hayslad in West Malvern, and the Lower Wyche Spout. In 2024, once again, we return to the Clock Tower.
The majestic building we see today (now listed Grade II by Historic England) was actually constructed in several stages. In 1835, for the inhabitants of North Malvern, local benefactor Charles Morris built a well-room with a tap fed by water from North Valley spring. A year later, he added a 50,000-gallon capacity tank, to better regulate the rather variable supply. In 1843, a tower with one clock-face (timewise, apparently highly unreliable), was erected above the well-room. In 1901, to celebrate the accession of Edward VII to the throne, the tower was extended, featuring four gas-lit clock-faces, crenellations, and animal waterspouts.
Unfortunately, over time, the structure fell into disrepair, and the water was piped away into a road drain; however, in the early 2000s, thanks to Heritage Lottery funding, restoration works took place. The spring water supply was reconnected, and fine new forged-iron gates were installed at the well-room entrance. Called the ‘Cascade Gates’, they were designed by Malvern artist and sculptor Rose Garrard, and were made in collaboration with artist blacksmith Andrew Findlay at Eastnor Forge. Rose based the design on the curved forms of the Hills and flowing water, along with the ivy leaves that had once covered the original tower.
This year, the Clock Tower will be dressed on Saturday the 26th of October, and the dressing will stay up until Monday the 11th of November.
Visitors are invited to hang plain white ribbons (provided by the well-dressers) on a small tree on the lawn in front of the tower, in memory of lost loved-ones. Inside the well-room, if they wish, they can write and tie a note dedicated to someone special, and spend some time there in peaceful contemplation.
On Saturday the 2nd of November at 11am, a well-blessing ceremony will be held, led by the Reverend Rebecca Elliott, the Vicar of Holy Trinity Church, as the clock tower is in her parish. Everyone is welcome to this ceremony.

