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All the United Kingdom England Ashford in the Water Sheepwash Pen and Lambs' Bank

Sheepwash Pen and Lambs' Bank

This unique creation was used to house and wash sheep prior to shearing.

Ashford in the Water, England

Added By
Alan Newman
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Sheepwash Pen and Lambs’ Bank   Marathon
Sheepwash Pen and Lambs’ Bank   Marathon
Sheepwash pen with Lamb’s Bank beyond to the right.   Marathon
River is in flood in winter conditions.   Dr Alan P Newman / Atlas Obscura User
Sheepwash bridge vowed from Lambs’ Bank.   Steve Fareham
Looking from bridge down to Lambs’ bank.   Dr Alan P Newman / Atlas Obscura User
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About

Next to the appropriately named Sheepwash Bridge in Ashford in the Water in Derbyshire, England, is an ancient sheep pen that was used until the 20th-century. It was designed to house sheep while they were being washed. This was done prior to sheering or taking the sheep to market.

The tradition continues today, but for tourism purposes. It often occurs on Well Dressing Day, the day of the year when the annual Water Well Dressing is revealed to the public.

This pen was used to separate the ewes from their lambs, which were taken slightly downstream to bleat on "Lambs' Bank." When the ewes on the end of a long tether were pushed into the water, the sound of the lambs encouraged the ewes to swim downstream and exit the river.

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Animals History & Culture Festivals

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The old Packhorse bridge is also worth a visit. 

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Added By

Dr Alan P Newman

Published

December 17, 2020

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Sheepwash Pen and Lambs' Bank
Ashford in the Water, England, DE45 1QG
United Kingdom
53.223035, -1.710053

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