Topics > Historical Periods > Middle Ages (1154 to 1485 AD) > Holy Well
Holy Well
Holy wells are water sources that were believed to have healing properties, spiritual, or magical associations, sometimes associated with rituals such as leaving coins or offerings at a well. Some sites were linked to pre-Christian water worship, later being adopted and adapted by the early Christian church, from the 6th century onwards. Holy wells were widely revered in the medieval period onward, sometimes used for baptisms, though their construction ended around the 1540 Reformation when local veneration rituals were condemned.
Holy wells vary greatly, ranging from simple natural springs to stone roofed "well houses" with seating, some with elaborate architectural decorations. Many maintain local folklore-based, or religious relevance. They provide important information on the nature of religious beliefs and practices and on the relationship between religion and the landscape, particularly during the medieval period.
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St Mary's Well, Jesmond
- Overview Map Street View St Mary's Well is located in a small fenced enclosure on the north side of The Grove in Jesmond. It as a holy well, probably dating …
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St Ninian's Well, Brisco
- The ancient well dedicated to St Ninian is located at the north-west of Brisco in Cumbria. The dressed sandstone wellhead was rebuilt by Sarah Losh, somtime during the 1830's to 1840's.[1] …
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St Mary's Well, Jesmond
- Overview Map Street View St Mary's Well is located in a small fenced enclosure on the north side of The Grove in Jesmond. It as a holy well, probably dating …
