This small cave-like cavity, measuring roughly 2 metres north to south and 3 metres east to west, formed naturally in the limestone rock face where an underground river passage once collapsed. The well sits dramatically positioned about 4 metres below ground level, halfway down the exposed rock wall, accessible only by a series of rough stone steps that wind down the steep slope.

The interior of this natural chamber presents a geological wonder; layers of travertine have accumulated over countless years, coating the walls in mineral deposits that give the space an otherworldly appearance. At the base of the cavity, a shallow pool of water collects naturally, fed by the limestone’s inherent moisture. The entire setting feels particularly dramatic, with the collapsed roof of the ancient river passage revealing the rocky sides and the river flowing at its base, creating an almost theatrical backdrop for this hidden water source.

Whilst the well itself is entirely natural, its transformation into a feature of note likely occurred during the 19th century when Brownhall Demesne house stood nearby. The stone steps appear to date from this period, when Victorian landowners often highlighted such natural curiosities as points of interest within their estate grounds. Interestingly, the well doesn’t appear on the 1836 Ordnance Survey map but was recorded on the 1906 edition under the name ‘Toberdabeage’, written in gothic script; a detail that suggests its growing significance as a local landmark during that intervening period.