In the quiet Oxfordshire village of
The project was commissioned by Ishwari Prasad Narayan Singh, the
Engineering a solution to a local crisis
Construction of the well commenced in 1863, presenting a significant engineering challenge. Because the village’s water table was situated deep beneath the surface, workers had to dig the shaft by hand to a depth of 368 feet—a distance roughly equivalent to the length of a standard football pitch. The project, which cost £353 at the time, was completed within a year and officially opened in 1864.
Beyond the functional shaft, the site was designed with long-term sustainability in mind. The Maharaja funded the creation of a nearby cherry orchard, known as the Ishree Bagh, intended to generate the necessary income for the well’s ongoing maintenance. Additionally, a cottage was constructed on-site to house a caretaker responsible for the well’s upkeep. While the Maharaja never personally visited Stoke Row, he maintained a supportive relationship with the village, even providing funds for local provisions in 1882 following an assassination attempt on Queen Victoria.
A lasting legacy and royal recognition
The well served as a vital lifeline for the community for decades, fostering local growth and encouraging new settlement in the area. Its role as the primary water source eventually diminished in 1927, when a modern water pipeline was installed in the village. Despite this, the site remained a significant landmark, symbolizing the historical bond between the two regions.
The connection was formally acknowledged a century later during the well’s centenary. In 1961, the Maharaja of Benares discussed the upcoming anniversary with Queen Elizabeth II during her visit to India. Three years later, on April 8, 1964, the village held a large celebration to mark the milestone. The event drew approximately 1,500 attendees, including Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, who visited the site to commemorate the enduring gift. Today, the pavilion and its signature golden elephant remain preserved in Stoke Row, serving as a permanent reminder of the Maharaja’s charitable contribution.
