Introduction

Hidden in St Helen’s Wood above Ore in Hastings is a small spring known as St Helen’s Well. Tucked away in the woodland valley below the ridge where Old St Helen’s Church stands, it’s an easy place to walk past without ever realising it’s there.

The well itself isn’t marked on modern OS maps, but the clue lies in the spring symbol in the valley. By heading towards the nearest spring relative to St Helen’s Wood, it’s possible to track down the location where the water emerges from the hillside.

Here is a short video from the visit.

You can see the location of St Helen’s Well on Google Maps here.
You can also explore this and other locations on my All Map Locations page.

---

History

The spring likely existed long before anything was built around it. Just above the valley stands Old St Helen’s Church, whose origins date back to the Norman period in the 11th and 12th centuries. Springs were often associated with churches dedicated to St Helen, and some were believed to have healing properties.

During the 19th century, when this area formed part of the Ore Place estate, the natural spring appears to have been improved. The stone basin and pipes visible today suggest the spring was formalised, possibly feeding a water tank or drinking fountain further down the path.

Over time the structure became buried beneath mud and vegetation and the well gradually disappeared from view.

The spring was rediscovered around 2012–2013 when local resident Mark Golding began digging into the muddy bank where the water emerged. As he cleared the mud by hand he uncovered a stone shelf and basin, revealing the structure that can be seen today.

---

Photography

St Helen’s Well is a small but surprisingly photogenic spot hidden within the woodland. The clear water flowing into the stone basin creates a simple focal point, while the surrounding moss, leaves and woodland textures give the area a quiet, natural feel.

Because the well sits in a shaded valley, soft overcast light works particularly well for photography, helping to bring out the greens and textures of the moss-covered stonework. The flowing water also lends itself well to short video clips where the sound of the spring adds to the atmosphere.

Use a wide angle lens and polariser to reduce reflections. A long exposure to add some motion blur to the water.

---

Practical Info

Location: St Helen’s Wood, Ore, Hastings, East Sussex
Access: Woodland footpaths through St Helen’s Wood
Best Time to Visit: Any time of year, though winter and early spring make the spring easier to spot through the vegetation
Nearby:
Old St Helen’s Church Ruins – Norman-era church remains standing on the ridge above the valley.
Speckled Wood Valley – A wooded valley with streams and walking paths running through Ore.
St Mary’s Church Ruins, Bulverhythe – The remains of a medieval church lost to coastal erosion west of Hastings.

---

Conclusion

Although easy to miss, St Helen’s Well is a fascinating little discovery hidden in the woodland above Ore. From a natural spring likely known for centuries to a Victorian-era improvement and its modern rediscovery, it offers a small but intriguing glimpse into the layered history of the landscape around Hastings.