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<< County Introductions >> Subject Guides No. 2 - Sacred Springs and Holy Wells

Submitted by Thorgrim on Monday, 01 November 2004  Page Views: 177216

Neolithic and Bronze Age
St Nectan's Glen
St Nectan's Glen submitted by Thorgrim : St Nectan's Glen has been described as amongst the ten most important spiritual sites in the country. (SX080885) There never was a St Nectan, the name is a Christianised form of the Cornish water god - Nechtan. The way down to the water is steep and slippery, but so beautiful. Hundreds of clouties, messages and small offerings crowd the minute ledges of the steep sides of the glen. It can onl... (Vote or comment on this photo)
The magic of clear fresh water from deep within the earth has always been sacred to mankind. Often overlooked and neglected today, wells were essential to farm and village and those that never failed were venerated. Some had healing powers when the waters were rich in iron, calcium and other minerals. Some are so rich in limestone that they "petrify" anything suspended in the water (Mother Shipton's Cave). The oldest take us back to pre-Christian days and give us glimpses of Pagan deities.

Many wells are dedicated to St Anne, but she is really the goddess Anu whose face stares at us above the well at Whitstone in Cornwall. Other wells belong to St Bride who is really Brigit and she is also found at places like the Bridestones and Bridestow. She is even to be found lost and forgotten in the heart of London at Bridewell close to that other ancient god, Lugh at Ludgate Hill. Her feast day is the 1st February - Imbolc.

Other wells recall itinerant monks who wandered Dark Age Britain bringing Christianity and perhaps healing to remote communities. Their names survive best in Cornwall, Wales and Ireland, but Holy Wells are to be found all over Britain. Counties rich in sacred wells include Yorkshire, Derbyshire, Shropshire and Staffordshire. Half-hidden down a forgotten pathway, alone in the depths of a hidden valley or sheltered in a well house by the roadside or in a churchyard, they are there to be found. Always, the search is well rewarded with spiritual peace and tranquillity.

When you send us your photographs of sacred wells, please tell us of any stories and legends that you may discover. There is no register of sacred wells so perhaps the Portal can do some original research and compile a comprehensive survey.


Note: We have just uploaded a new database of 260 Holy Wells and springs. The best place to start exploring is in Cornwall. Help us extend this new nationwide resource by submitting your photos, or details of other sacred springs you know of.

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"Subject Guides No. 2 - Sacred Springs and Holy Wells" | Login/Create an Account | 26 News and Comments
  
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Re: Subject Guides No. 2 - Sacred Springs and Holy Wells by MarkEdwards on Friday, 30 April 2021
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Sacred Springs - An Ancient Perspective.
Natural springs are abundant. Not all springs are "sacred". It is almost always true that "holy springs", are sacred springs following Christianisation re-assignment.
It is important to understand the source of the water, which incidentally is the French term for a spring. Water from streams, rivers, and lakes are predominantly run off rainwater. In modern times, this water will almost certainly be contaminated with pollutants, and undesirable chemicals. Clean rivers contain water which is certainly drinkable, once your system has adjusted to the micro-organisms in that water. Wild animals suffer no ill-effects from drinking from streams and rivers. Neither would we once we go through the process of immunisation, which causes temporary sickness. In fact, it should be important to drink this water simply to innoculate ourselves from the organisms present in the immediate environment.
Spring water is entirely different because it has a much different source. It originates in the aquifer, deep underground. It is pushed up by a process caused hydrostatics. As rainwater seeps through the gound it pushes the aquifer to the surface in order to maintain a level. The water that has come up from the aquifer has generally been contained there for a very long time. This water is extremely clean of contaminants once it arrives in the aquifer. Much cleaner than our best water purification systems. It is water that has been filtered by the substrate. Up to 30,000 feet of filtration !
During the time water resides in the aquifer minerals leach into the standing water, which takes a long time. This happens at a subatomic level. The minerals are "suspended" in the water, and can only be extracted by distillation or digestion. Therefore it is natural that spring water has an very high mineral value. It is extremely beneficial to all fauna to have ready access to a broad spectrum of these minerals, including humans. It is scientifically argued as the benefit of eating organic food.
This is where the ancient definition of a "sacred" spring is important. And why not all springs were sacred. If we consider that the water has leached minerals from it's surrounding environment for tens of thousands of years, then there are minerals which are beneficial, and minerals that most certainly are not. It would not be particularly benefical to drink water that has leached mercury or lead. There are pockets of minerals contained in the substrate in differing concentrations. Sometimes very close to each other. We know this is true from the modern industry of mining. Our ancient ancestors would have known from centuries of observation, which springs were beneficial, and which were not. Hence not all springs are sacred springs. This information has in many areas been passed down through the generations to this day. The town of Bath. Hevis in Hungary. And the preponerance of the "benefits" of spring water in our supermarkets. It is also true that the Christian ceremony of baptism was originally conducted in pools created by sacred springs, or water therefrom, laterally known as holy water.
The most valued springs were those that came from ground rich with gold. Without going into too much detail, this ancient knowledge is the equivalent of what is known as the Ormus effect. Subatomic gold suspended in water. This secret knowledge was the distinct priveledge of Druids and Royalty alike. Now we know the whereabouts of rich seams of gold, it should come as no surprise that springs originating from that source were often termed "Royal Springs". This phenomenon is not just exclusive to Britain, but can be found all over the world in ancient times.
Springs produce water sporadically. They come and go. But generally emanate from the same outlet. Luckily for us Megalithic has mapped out the location of these springs, which are for the most part disused. If you come across one of these sacred springs, try it, and enjoy it. It is a large part of the inherited knowledge passed down from our ancient ancestors.
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Re: Subject Guides No. 2 - Sacred Springs and Holy Wells by Anonymous on Friday, 10 July 2009
Does anyone know of legends connected to sacred springs and appearances of angels?
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Re: Subject Guides No. 2 - Sacred Springs and Holy Wells by Anonymous on Friday, 01 June 2007
Cross Spring, Compton Bishop, Somerset.
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    Re: Subject Guides No. 2 - Sacred Springs and Holy Wells by Anonymous on Thursday, 20 November 2008
    Dear David and Amelia - well! we are so pleased to receive your reply, isan't life full of surprises. In answer to your question, yes we beleive we have found the priesthole near the great fireplace , we belive we have also found the entrance to the hidden crypt , This house is full of suprises .
    we have gathed quite a bit of information on the house and its history , which we will be pleased to pass on to you , we are in a bit of a muddle with work going on in the bathroom , and bedroom and hall , but it may be finished by the time you arrive , one of the best hotels to stay in would be the watergate bay hotel , which is right on the coast and has great views over the ocean , and is only a few miles from us and the airport . hope this helps and look forward to meeting you bowth , best wishes bob and sara .
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    Re: Subject Guides No. 2 - Sacred Springs and Holy Wells by Anonymous on Wednesday, 26 November 2008
    Dear Bob and Sara,
    Your mail is really very exciting and we are looking forward to meeting you both,
    Flights have been booked to Newquay flight:WOW105 this arrives in Newquay at 14.30 on Monday 15th December, I hope you dont think this to impertanant of me but if at all possible could you meet us at the airport or arrange for a car to be there. We dont want to arrive empty handed so could you please advise us of your favorite tipple and a perfume that would be appropriate as a gift for Sara
    Kind Regards
    David and Amelia
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      Re: Subject Guides No. 2 - Sacred Springs and Holy Wells by Anonymous on Monday, 01 December 2008
      Dear david and amelia , you had best check your flights into newquay as it is my understanding that all flights were cancelled because of a dispute with the air traffic control authority , ? prahaps you could confirm your flights for a later date, we are back from london on the 16 december christmas presents for the grandchildren ? we are looking forward to meeting you bowth , we may have to do some juggling but i am sure we will sort things out . Best wishes bob and sara . ps sara is fond of a good red wine , i will be happy with a small castle in sussex , take care bob .
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        Re: Subject Guides No. 2 - Sacred Springs and Holy Wells by Anonymous on Sunday, 14 December 2008
        Dear david , today is sunday the 14 dec , and we have just returned from a very interesting walk in the woods oppersit the house , we have found one, possible two exits from the original escape tunnel,One is approximately 200 yards away ,the other exits 800 yards away , close to the old church in st columb minor , which was recenctly discoverd when the local council was doing some renavation work on a path through the woods, I will take some pictures and send them to you if you send an e.mail address through,do you have any more information or pictures that might be of use , in unravaling this mystery . ???? . Regards bob .
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          Re: Subject Guides No. 2 - Sacred Springs and Holy Wells by Anonymous on Monday, 22 August 2011
          Hi Bob, Sara, it's been along time in communications, how are both well I hope, Amelia and myself have been on a world cruise well two actually we enjoyed it so much the first time we did it again with our friends from Rock,well the good news is they have managed to sell there house in Rock(they were more than a little worried because so many put there houses up at the same time due to the close influx of folk from Newquay,it's such a shame, Padstow is over run with fish and chip eaters thanks to Mr R.Stein, and there nearest little town of weightbridge has gone down hill also,) such a shame although this could bode well for you as Newquay will be a better place for families again.
          Back to the good news they have bought on the south coast in a little place called Fowey and we are looking a little distance further round the coast, we have found a property that is situated on a peninsula with only two other properties for neighbours, it has it's own private beach so we can flit back & forth to Fowey by boat in 15mins so it's ideal for us, oddly enough it used to be a Chapel many moons ago so it would seem that Priory's and Chapel,s are destined to remain part of our family, We hope you have finnished your renovations and all went well. I was going to email you but cannot find the address you sent me? Kind Regards David & Amelia
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Re: Subject Guides No. 2 - Sacred Springs and Holy Wells by Anonymous on Monday, 05 March 2007
has anyone any information,on the holy well,at rialton priory,newquay cornwall.reguards bob.
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    Re: Subject Guides No. 2 - Sacred Springs and Holy Wells by Anonymous on Tuesday, 15 January 2008
    Hi Bob In surfing the web Im amazed to find you ,Ive been searching the web researching my family history and name having already traced my mothers side of the family to Rialton as far back as 400 years.
    My family name at the time was Reknaw my great great great grandmother was the last Reknaw in service at the priory and she had to leave having disgraced the family name by becoming pregnant by one of the monks, as you can imagine this was unforgivable even so the monk in question left the priory and they were married.
    History passed down says that the well is not in its origional location but has been moved closer to the house this was done when part of Rialton burnt down, more importantly rumours abound that there is an underground tunnel leading to a secret crypt on the St. Columb Minor side were it has been rumoured that the family wealth along with other hidden treasures were put in safe keeping from the local lord of the manor who was the crowns appointed tax collector, this...

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      Re: Subject Guides No. 2 - Sacred Springs and Holy Wells by Anonymous on Sunday, 16 November 2008
      DEAR MR TRUMP , SORRY FOR THE LONG DELAY IN WRITEING A REPLY BUT WE HAVE BEEN VERY BUSY RENOVATING THE HOUSE , WE ARE FASCINATED BY YOUR REPLY , WE INVITE YOU TO VISIT US FOR THE DAY , SHOULD YOU EVER BE IN THE AREA , YOURS SINCERLY BOB AND SARA .
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      Re: Subject Guides No. 2 - Sacred Springs and Holy Wells by Anonymous on Monday, 17 November 2008
      Dear Bob,
      Good to hear from you it has been awhile but renovation can be a lengthy process and i imagine expensive but fascinating experiance on such an old building,just to get and co-ordinate the amount of professional people it takes is in its self a mammoth job, listed buildings are an architectural dream and a passion that can become an obsession. Ah enough of my enthusing i am sure that you will have lots to tell and show me as it my intention along with my wife to be leaving the house in Monte Carlo in the capable hands of our decorators and we will be taking up residance in our knightsbridge apartment until the works have been completed.
      I would be delighted to take you up on your generous offer to view Rialton and the sensitive renovations you have carried out, have you by chance found a priest hole in the verscinity of the great fire place.
      We should be at home in london from the first week in December until the 23rd and if you can find a time that would be of...

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    Re: Subject Guides No. 2 - Sacred Springs and Holy Wells by Anonymous on Friday, 13 March 2009
    Hi Bob, its been awhile, we have been visiting family and friends all over the british isles, we stayed with my parents in Jersey for a week and we are now home, we dropped by Rialton on our way, it was a shock to see how very little of the house remained i had expected great deal more but needless to say the small remaining building has in fact left you with a nice cosy little cottage/house its charming.
    We were met by two very friendly labs who greeted us with barks and wagging tails like long lost friends. We could not find any trace of you, having called from outside and getting no reply we entered the house via the back door into the kitchen, thinking you maybe on the upper floor i called out from the hall but as there was no answer we made a hasty retreat back to the garden we walked for a while in the grounds hoping to find you but to no avail. Apologies for our trespass but we really wanted to find you and with the house open didnt think you could be far.
    The entrances...

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      Re: Subject Guides No. 2 - Sacred Springs and Holy Wells by Anonymous on Monday, 16 March 2009
      Hi david , we have been away for six weeks in america , so i would have been suprised if you had found us , we got back three days ago , we had someone looking after the house while we were away , although by the sounds of it , not very well. The main exit i found is up by the old church half a mile away , we will explore it in the summer ,regards Bob .
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        Re: Subject Guides No. 2 - Sacred Springs and Holy Wells by Anonymous on Wednesday, 22 April 2009
        Hi Bob, i may be flying in on business in the next couple of weeks and was thinking of dropping down to see you if time allows
        Regards David
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        Re: Subject Guides No. 2 - Sacred Springs and Holy Wells by Anonymous on Sunday, 26 April 2009
        Bob, P.S.can you keep your eyes open for a holiday home for us in cornwall, we do not want anything new the place must have some history with it, up to about a million Ks.
        Hope you do not mind my asking as you are local and i would like to cut out the estate agent if you get my drift. Obviously this will be a cash deal to complete soonest. Friends living in Rock are also looking for me.
        Regards David.

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          Re: Subject Guides No. 2 - Sacred Springs and Holy Wells by Anonymous on Tuesday, 23 June 2009
          Hi david , sorry for the delay in responding , but we have been away travelling alot , and have only just got back , Have you found anything property wise yet ?if not we may be selling rialton ,sometime in the next eighteen months , and it will be less than a million if this is off intrest to you , in the meantime we are busy looking for the treasure !!!!Regards Bob .
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Re: Subject Guides No. 2 - Sacred Springs and Holy Wells by RobertaHSpencer on Sunday, 04 February 2007
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Dear Andy,
I would love to help with the Holy Well & Sacred Springs in Hampshire & West Sussex, I just do not know how to upload photos and not sure about mapping and grid references.
With Joy & Friendship, Roberta H.Spencer. Portsmouth.
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    Re: Subject Guides No. 2 - Sacred Springs and Holy Wells by JimChampion on Sunday, 04 February 2007
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    Hi Roberta. I've sent you a 'private message' about helping - have a look down the left hand side of the screen, underneath the "Logged in as RobertaHSpencer" part and it should say "You have 1 private message". Click on the "1" to go to your private message inbox.

    Jim Champion
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    Re: Subject Guides No. 2 - Sacred Springs and Holy Wells by Anonymous on Monday, 19 February 2007
    DO YOU HAVE ANY INFORMATION ON THE HOLY WELL,AT RIALTON PRIORY,I CANT FIND MUCH ABOUT IT.
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    Re: Subject Guides No. 2 - Sacred Springs and Holy Wells by Anonymous on Sunday, 02 September 2007
    Roberta,
    i am interested in locating wells in the Portsmouth area which are still accessible to make flower essences.
    Pls contact me: [email protected]
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Re: Subject Guides No. 2 - Sacred Springs and Holy Wells by ryszard on Monday, 03 April 2006
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Below is a copy of my comment on Andy B's History of Kit's Coty of 24 March 2006


Re: A short history of the Medway Megaliths (Score: 1)
by ryszard on Tuesday, 28 March 2006
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Very interesting. Stones, long barrow remains, a longhouse, and much later a Pilgrim's Way along this direction & all pointing to Canterbury
Also, if you click them up on the map, many wells in close proximity, "Holy" & other.

Pilgrims after Thomas a Becket's death probably "made do" with beer or wine, if they had any sense, but earlier, Neolithic pilgrims or travellers would need water from springs or wells, many old "wells" being in fact springs.

Has anyone done work on the association of holy wells with megaliths in the Canterbury area, comparable to the now perhaps dated, Holy Wells of Wales by Francis Jones? To put it briefly, he points out that Xtian churches were often built at pagan worship sites, many of them of great antiquity, and that many cathedrals were...

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Re: Subject Guides No. 2 - Sacred Springs and Holy Wells by Andy B on Friday, 24 December 2004
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Have a look for them youself here, you've come to the right place...
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Re: Subject Guides No. 2 - Sacred Springs and Holy Wells by Anonymous on Friday, 24 December 2004
Hi,
do you know of any springs or wells near to Winchester in Hants?

Andy :)

[email protected]
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Re: Subject Guides No. 2 - Sacred Springs and Holy Wells by Anonymous on Tuesday, 30 March 2004
I would like to enter a engraved rock in the form of a map found at the head of a dried up spring discovered outside my village a year ago. Neolithic/Bronze age flint tools found nearby may indicate its age, this may be viewed by putting burbage heritage and tourism group in the "google" uk search engine, and click on map this could be downloaded in your site, but I do not have the knowledge being a novice. Arthur, Burbage, Leicestershire,
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