Healing waters of original Camber Well found in a back garden

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The original Camber Well, discovered in Noreen Morrin's garden, is believed to be between 2,000 and 3,000 years old. It was found after local historian John Chaple pinpointed its location and asked 64-year-old Mrs Morrin if he could dig up her lawn.

Southwark council has offered to erect a commemorative plaque after a borough archaeologist confirmed it is the original well. Photos show that the well, which stood in Grove Park on the estate of a Dr Lettsom, was in use until about 150 years ago with a donkey-driven pump.

Residents of Peckham and Dulwich walked up to a mile and a half to the well for their drinking water, which was said to have healing properties. Some history books have claimed that "camber" meant crooked and that water from the Camber Well could cure "crippled or crooked people".

Another theory is that the well was named after Prince Camber, son of the legendary founder of London, Prince Brutus.

Mr Chaples's research suggests that Roman coins have been found at the bottom of the well, which would make it at least 2,000 years old. Mrs Morrin's garden is in the modern street Grove Park. Mr Chaple said: "I live in Camberwell and have been fascinated for a long time by the Camber Well, which people trekked to from all over Peckham and Dulwich for their drinking water. I laid the old Ordnance Survey maps from a local library over plans of her garden and dug down with a hand trowel. I was only about two feet out, which shows the incredible accuracy of the maps. It is possible the well has gone dry but I would be surprised if there wasn't water down there."

Former midwife Mrs Morrin said: "It is amazing to have such a piece of ancient history in my garden."