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An interesting excerpt about St. Mary's Well from 'The Story of Hatherleigh', a book to commemorate a thousand years of recorded history - published in 1981:
[Regarding “Cradock Glascot, vicar of Hatherleigh from 1781 to 1831”]
“He also instituted a children’s service and outing on Ascension Day; he had an ulterior motive in doing so since he wished to ensure the children’s absence from the annual revel at St. Mary’s Well at Lewer. This gathering was ostensibly held so that people might avail themselves of the healing qualities of the spring water, which reputedly cured diseases of the eyes and skin. It was also said that if pins were dropped into the water “you would get your heart’s desire”. Be that as it may, the gathering was a glorious excuse for a party. Bonfires were lit; there were revels, dancing and feasting, and the affair annually degenerated into something of an orgy. Mr Glascott’s move proved successful, since the Sunday School outing continues to flourish today [1981] while the revels at St. Mary’s Well, like so many other pagan traditions, have ceased to be.”
NB: Like Ottery St Mary's celebration on 5th November, Hatherleigh also has a flaming tar-barrel led carnival in November (this year it is held on 14th November 2015)
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