Allendale proves that ‘where there’s a well, there’s a way’

11 August 2026

Blog by Jared Dunn, Secretary of Allen Valleys Local History Group

Nearly 70 people came together in Allendale on Saturday 1 August 2026 to celebrate the successful restoration of Isaac’s Well in the village.  Led by Allen Valleys Local History Group, this local heritage project has seen the area around the well re-cobbled and landscaped to create a pleasant communal space for locals and tourists alike.

Isaac’s Well was first installed in 1849, largely through the fundraising efforts of Isaac Holden, a local lead miner and itinerant tea-seller. He has since lent his name to the popular long-distance walk, Isaac’s Tea Trail, which starts and finishes at the well.

When modern tarmac was removed, early in the nine-month project, a small strip of original 19th century cobbling was revealed.

Valeria Dunn, chair of the local history group, explained that this was both exciting and a challenge: “We were then faced with revising our plans and sourcing similar local stone to better match the originals.  These were large, squared setts – very like building stone – set deep into the ground, and quite unlike the rounded cobbles we were expecting.  This also added to the work of the local building team, D & J White, but they rose to the challenge.”.

Fortunately, two sources of reclaimed local stone were located within Allendale that enabled the restoration to be completed. Other enhancements included laying a new sandstone-paved path and improving pedestrian safety with the addition of antique iron bollards. The wall behind the Grade II listed well was also conserved with the reapplication of traditional lime mortar.

Chair of Allendale Parish Council, Malcolm Archer, said; “When the history group approached the parish council, proposing that they embark on an initiative to restore Isaac’s Well, the council was very enthusiastic. We are just as delighted today to see that vision now realised. It has been a wonderful collaborative effort in our community.”

A number of local school children, who had learned about Isaac Holden and the dale’s lead-mining heritage as the project progressed, were also present on the day.  They even wrote and produced a booklet on him to help raise funds for the renovation.

To mark the completion of the project, seven-year old Angus and five-year old William collected water from the well in a commemorative silver bucket whilst local man and former parish councillor, Malcolm Whitfield, unveiled a plaque.

The Isaac’s Well restoration project was supported by a community grant from the North Pennines National Landscape team through the Land of Lead and Silver project which is funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Historic England. Other key funders included the Helen Allison Allendale Trust, Allenheads Trust and Allendale Parish Council. Hundreds of people also participated in a ‘Sponsor a Cobble’ initiative.