Once I was a clever boy learning the arts of Oxford... is a quotation from the verses written by Bishop Richard Fleming (c.1385-1431) for his tomb in Lincoln Cathedral. Fleming, the founder of Lincoln College in Oxford, is the subject of my research for a D. Phil., and, like me, a son of the West Riding. I have remarked in the past that I have a deeply meaningful on-going relationship with a dead fifteenth century bishop... it was Fleming who, in effect, enabled me to come to Oxford and to learn its arts, and for that I am immensely grateful.


Wednesday, 20 May 2026

Marian Pilgrimage - Our Lady’s Well Hempsted


This is a new addition to the Pilgrimage itinerary and is located at Hempsted, a formerly a separate village, but which now has become a suburb of Gloucester. 

There is an online account of the structure and the story of the pilgrimage tradition. How old the institution narrative is not given. It might be an old tradition or it might be a pious fable from more recent centuries - one always has to be careful when Joseph of Arimathea turns up in such stories. The article can be seen here

There is more about the well house and this is an account with better illustrations from Wikipedia at Our_Lady's_Well,_Hempsted

The history and popular lore about the well is discussed in The Holy and Ancient Wells and Springs of Gloucester – Our Lady’s Well, Hempsted


May Our Lady of Hempsted intercede for us and our intentions

Jesu mercy, Mary pray


 

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