The Custom of Well Dressing is mostly unique to Derbyshire, its origins and history are not certain but its roots are said to come from pagan customs of making offerings to Water Gods, many Wells were thought to have healing powers and during early Christian times offerings continued to be made, as a result some Wells were dedicated to Christian Saints as St. Ann’s Well in Buxton.

A Well Dressing is a picture wholly made up of natural materials on a base of clay housed within a wooden frame.The picture is a collage of flower petals, leaves, moss, bark, seeds etc. Of varying colours and textures which with the skill of the dressers bring the subject matter to life. Each Community has slight variations in the method used to make a dressing but the general principles are the same.

The dressing usually lasts about a week but much depends on the weather conditions. A hot, dry week will soon take its toll on the dressing, causing it to crack and the colour to fade. The dressing of the 2007 Wells will take place at the Parish Church of St John the Baptist on St Johns Rd in Buxton between 05 July 2007 - 07 July 2007 everybody is welcome to come and have a look at this ancient art in practice.