Monument record 0132400000 - JOHN SCHORNE'S WELL, NORTH MARSTON

Summary

Medieval holy well associated with John Schorne. John Schorne's or Shorne's Well dates to the late 13th or early 14th century and was restored in 1970. This medieval holy well is supposed to have derived its medicinal and miraculous qualities from the prayers and benedictions of the Rector of North Marston Church, John Schorne, who died in 1312. The well is walled and covered by a wooden lid and there are steps leading down to the water. It is supplied by the Schorne Spring, a chalybeate spring of pure cold water. The village prospered as people came to visit the well attracted by the supposed miraculous power of its blessed waters.

Protected Status/Designation

Archaeological Notification Area: Medieval holy well associated with John Schorne. (DBC9509)
Local Heritage List 4484: JOHN SCHORNE'S WELL, NORTH MARSTON (DBC10713)

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Type and Period (2)

HOLY WELL (Medieval - 1066 AD to 1539 AD)
WELL (Medieval - 1066 AD to 1539 AD)

Description

Dimensions - Length 1625mm, Width 1625mm, Depth 2050mm.
SUPPOSEDLY MIRACULOUS EFFECTS DERIVED FROM PRAYERS & BENEDICTION OF JOHN SCHORNE, RECTOR OF NORTH MARSTON. VILLAGE BECAME FLOURISHING & POPULOUS AS A RESULT (B1).
SCHORNE SPRING - CHALYBEATE SPRING WHICH SUPPLIES TOWN WELL. JOHN SCHORNE (DIED 1314) (B4).
WELL RESTORED 1970 (B5).
JOHN SCHORNE PILGRIM BADGE FOUND IN LONDON (B8).
Historical notes on John Schorne (B9).

(Area SP 777227) John Shorne's Well, a holy well 150 yards from the church at North Marston. A basin 5' 4" square, having the appearance of 15th century work, but associated with John Shorne, circa 1290-1314. Restored in 1970 (B3 and B5).
John Shorne's Well (name verified) as described by Rouse is at SP 77662252. The tradition of a holy well with healing properties is still maintained locally (B10).
The chalybeate spring is supposed to have been blessed by the rector of North Marston Parish, Sir John, St, John or Master John Shorne. He died in 1314 and was one of the most popular local saints in England until the Reformation. Note the name is recorded as Shorne in this source (B4).
NRHE insert 2008, update 2004 (B11)

This record includes National Record of the Historic Environment Information provided by Historic England on 4 June 2025 licensed under the Open Government Licence.

Sources (11)

<1>SBC26951 Bibliographic reference: George Lipscomb. 1847. The History and Antiquities of the County of Buckingham (Volume 1). Volume 1. p339.
<2>SBC19727 Bibliographic reference: James Joseph Sheahan. 1862. History and Topography of Buckinghamshire. p405.
<3>SBC13305 Article in serial: W Hastings Kelke. 1863. 'Master John Schorne', in Recs of Bucks 1859 2 pp60-74. Vol 2, Part 2.
<4>SBC20463 Bibliographic reference: William Page (ed). 1927. A History of Buckinghamshire (Victoria County History) Volume IV. Volume 4. p76.
<5>SBC13490 Article in serial: E Clive Rouse. 1970. 'John Schorne's Well at North Marston', in Recs of Bucks 1970 18 pp431-436, Plates XI-XIV. Vol 18.
<6>SBC12220 Bibliographic reference: PIKE A R,1979,FIELD VISIT.
<7>SBC11292 Unpublished document: Ordnance Survey Field Investigator. OS RECORD CARD (NOT RETAINED).
<8>SBC1002 Bibliographic reference: BCM ACCESSIONS REGISTER 1986 (ACC.NO.332).
<9>SBC22837 Unpublished document: David Green (BCC). 2005. Master John Schorne, Rector of North Marston c1282-1314: Buckinghamshire's Unofficial Saint.
<10>SBC28932 Verbal communication: N K Blood. 1973. Field Investigators Comments - F1 NKB 19-JUL-73.
<11>SBC27441 Digital archive: Historic England. National Record of the Historic Environment (NRHE).

Location

Grid reference	SP 77660 22520 (point)
Civil Parish	NORTH MARSTON, Aylesbury Vale, Buckinghamshire

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Related Events/Activities (1)

Event - Survey: (EBC13465)

Record last edited

Jan 26 2026 12:28PM