Old Well Help!

SkyPirate · Jan 9, 2010

I have found a few old wells at different locations and was wondering how they were made? That is, how were they dug and lined with stones so neatly?

Sandman · Jan 11, 2010

These old wells were dug by hand and lined with rocks and mortar or clay. They couldn't just buy them and have them installed like we would today.

sniffer · Jan 11, 2010

they would wait for the dry season, usually fall. dig the well a little below the water table and line
it with brick fitted tightly. the water table would rise and fill it for them

stefen · Jan 11, 2010

The following statement is an expression of my personal opinion and is not a reflection on this post nor an attack on any specific person:

"Only idiots climb into old hand dug wells"

Now watch the criticisms come forth :thumbsup:

relichunters · Jan 13, 2010

The last old well I visited was made sometime around late 1700's to early 1800's. It's entirely solid stone, no bricks or rocks. Seems to be a perfect circle the whole 75 feet or so down. Pretty amazing.

Sandman · Jan 13, 2010

relichunters said:
The last old well I visited was made sometime around late 1700's to early 1800's. It's entirely solid stone, no bricks or rocks. Seems to be a perfect circle the whole 75 feet or so down. Pretty amazing.

Must have been cut with a laser by real aliens, not the illegal kind. :laughing7:

But it is true, you don't know when the sides are going to cave in.

SkyPirate · Jan 13, 2010

I started to dig one out this afternoon, It may be a privy (did they line these with stones too?) My shovel kept hitting rocks. I think it may have been filled in with old foundation rocks and bricks. I gave up after about 10 minutes. :icon_scratch:

John (Ma) · Jan 13, 2010

www.stonestructures.org

This is some interesting history that covers wells. I tried to get the link to highlight but it did not work.

SkyPirate · Jan 13, 2010

John (Ma) said:
www.stonestructures.org

This is some interesting history that covers wells. I tried to get the link to highlight but it did not work.

Wow! That site is very interesting. Thanks for the help. :icon_pirat:

Cass · Jan 13, 2010

Had a friend that nerarly fell in an old well once. The piece of tin covering it had become grown over an rotted away. When he happened to step on it, it gave way and had he not grabed onto some small underbrush, he would have been a "goner".I have seen many open wells in the woods and once saw one with an old dried up cow in it. Saying still goes, "Y'all be careful out there now, ya hear !! ??" We don't want to end up like the poor old cow !