<< Our Photo Pages >> Old Wives' Well - Holy Well or Sacred Spring in England in Yorkshire (North)

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Nemloddolmen visited on 4th Jul 2023 - their rating: Cond: 3 Amb: 3 Access: 4 Moss currently covering the inscription, but someones added some windchimes to the tree above for an aire of magic.

Anne T visited on 1st Oct 2016 - their rating: Cond: 3 Amb: 4 Access: 5 Old Wives' Well, just south of Mauley Cross, near Stape, North Yorkshire: With this well only 223 metres south of the Mauley Cross, we decided to walk down the narrow metalled road ((Keys Beck Road) to the well. Again, Chrispy’s directions were spot on. This time, the rally cars were back, appearing every minute or so and we had to ensure we were visible to the drivers at all times (sometimes difficult with the bracken at the sides of the road being so high). Walking southwards back down towards Stape Village, reaching the first passing place on the left hand side of the road, a small track leads through the grass. About 20-30 metres into the wood we glimpsed a wooden rail which partially surrounds the well, then the well itself came into site.
With a simple stone built ‘hood’ over it, into which there is writing carved into the lintel, this is a very enigmatic spot. The well basin was full of water and a small tickle cut its way through the peat floor of the wood, heading south west down hill towards the road.
There were plenty of old ribbons and scarves (even a sock!) tied to the trees around the well.
According to the Pastscape Record for this monument, number 60532, the lettering on the lintel reads: "Nattie Fonten L M Natalis" (Roman governor of 3 provinces 120AD).

chrispy visited on 26th Apr 2011 - their rating: Cond: 5 Amb: 4 Access: 4 This is a lovely peaceful site just off the road and hidden from view by a few trees. There is no sign to the well but look for a 'passing place' along the side of the road and park there otherwise continue along the road until you come to a wide forest road and Mauley Cross, park there and walk back over. there is a grass path to the well, however it is uneven and would be difficult to push a wheelchair along, especailly as the path and in front of the well is often squelchy. I have visited the site a lot in the last few years and I have found (and left) offerings there

kelpie have visited here

Average ratings for this site from all visit loggers: Condition: 3.67 Ambience: 3.67 Access: 4.33

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