Bronze plaque № 59969

This bronze commemorative plaque records: Wells Water Courses - Market Place Conduit (3). In 1451 Thomas Bekynton, Bishop of Bath and Wells, who had built new houses in the Market Place, Penniless Porch and the Bishop's Eye made a grant to provide clean water for the citizens of Wells from the copious springs within the Bishop's Palace. The water flows from the Palace moat to this Conduit (3) and then down the right side of the High Street. In return for this gift the City Council were required to visit the Bishop's tomb in the Cathedral to pray for his soul. To this day, prayers are offered at the Chantry Chapel of Bishop Bekynton in January each year. The present conduit dates from the late 1800's and the water running down the left side of the High Street was the gift of Bishop Richard Beadon in 1803 "for the cleansing of the City and the extinguishing of fires." Recorded plaque organisation: Mendip District Council and Wells City Council.

Thomas Bekynton, Bishop of Bath and Wells from 1449 to 1465, significantly improved public health and infrastructure in Wells by providing a clean water supply through conduits, which remains a vital feature of the city.