Historic Glasgow Cathedral feature 'hidden for centuries' to be honoured with trio of concerts
The project celebrates Glasgow 850 by showcasing the rediscovered 'hidden' feature with a new mosaic and a series of concerts.
An ancient well hidden for centuries within the Crypt of Glasgow Cathedral is being brought back into the spotlight this autumn as part of the city’s 850th anniversary celebrations.
The site, long central to Glasgow’s foundation story, is set to be reinterpreted through a combination of archaeology, art, and music, with a new mosaic installation and a series of concerts paying tribute to its historic significance.
Long before Glasgow grew into a bustling city, the well marked a place of deep spiritual importance. It is believed that St Kentigern, also known as Mungo, established his cell nearby and performed baptisms in the waters of the Molendinar Burn, Glasgow Live reports.
The natural well was later incorporated into the walls of Glasgow Cathedral, forming the heart of the Kentigern Shrine in the crypt. Over centuries, the site became one of Britain’s major pilgrimage destinations, attracting visitors for more than 300 years.
It predates Christianity in its sacred significance and symbolically represents the very origins of the city itself.
On October 21, the Cathedral’s ancient well was excavated for the first time in living memory.
The one-day event, led by Aproxima in collaboration with Professor Stephen Driscoll of Glasgow University and archaeologist David Sneddon of Clyde Archaeology, provided the public with a rare opportunity to witness archaeology in action.
The excavation shed new light on Glasgow’s medieval origins, environmental history, and traditions of pilgrimage and healing.
Glasgow
The rediscovery of the well forms the centrepiece of The Well, an art project designed to celebrate Glasgow 850. The initiative will showcase the ancient structure through a series of concerts and the installation of a new mosaic within the well.
Three dedication concerts will take place on December 5 and December 6, featuring new music from folk singer Karine Polwart, organist and composer Claire M Singer, and choral works by award-winning composer Cameron Sinclair. Local music collectives will also perform, while actor Gary Lewis provides narration to bring the history of the well to life.
Angus Farquhar, Creative Director of Aproxima, said: "The well in the Cathedral Crypt is a powerful but neglected part of Glasgow's story. The Well is about making its legacy visible again as a site of convergence, healing, and hope.
"We aim to reinterpret it as a contemporary 'wellspring' for the city, to the many communities it is home to, as well as visitors. We hope this project will inspire reflection, celebration, and a renewed sense of connection to Glasgow's origins."
Lord Provost of Glasgow Jacqueline McLaren added: "Throughout this celebratory year we have been reminded of our medieval origins and the chequered journey that shaped our city and brought us to where we are today.
"The reawakening of the ancient well within the Cathedral Crypt is a powerful symbol of Glasgow's heritage, a place where communities gathered in hope, healing, and reflection.
"This remarkable project not only honours our past but also breathes new life into a site of profound significance in our city's story, blending archaeology, contemporary art, and music in a celebration for all Glaswegians and visitors alike. The project will serve as a lasting legacy from Glasgow 850 and one that can also inspire our future."
Concert Dates
Glasgow Cathedral , Cathedral Precinct, Castle Street, Glasgow, G4 0QZ. Dedication Concerts : Friday 5 December, 8pm and Saturday 6 December, 6pm and 8pm. Timed Entry Slots to view the well run at 10-minute intervals at the following times:
- Friday 8pm Concert : Pre-concert at 7pm, 7.10pm, 7.20pm. 7.30pm, 7.40pm and Post-concert at 9pm, 9.10pm, 9.20pm
- Saturday 6pm Concert : Pre-concert at 5pm, 5.10pm, 5.20pm, 5.30pm, 5.40pm
- Saturday 8pm Concert : Pre-concert at 7.15pm, 7.25, 7.35pm and Post-concert at 9pm, 9.10pm, 9.20pm
For more information, visit the Glasgow 850 website.