Woodingdean Water Well

The Woodingdean Water Well is a water well in Brighton and Hove, England, located on the grounds next to the Nuffield Hospital on Warren Road. The structure stands about one meter high, built with flint and brick walls, and covered by a white safety cap that seals the opening.

Work began in 1858 to dig the well for water supply to a local workhouse, reaching the water table after four years of labor. Men worked by candlelight and required continuous effort to break through layers of chalk and rock.

When workers first struck water in 1862, church bells rang across Brighton to celebrate the discovery. The flint and brick wellhead follows Sussex building traditions, combining practical function with local craftsmanship.

The well sits outside the Nuffield Hospital on Warren Road and can be seen from the pavement. Visitors can view the structure, though keep in mind it is on hospital grounds and access may be limited.

The shaft reaches approximately 390 meters (1280 feet) deep, equal to the height of the Empire State Building. This makes it the deepest hand-dug well in the world, with workers advancing through the earth using only pickaxes and shovels.

Location: Brighton and Hove

GPS coordinates: 50.83465,-0.08182

Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:25