This holy well
in the village of Holystone in Northumberland has been venerated since at least
Roman times, and possibly long before. It was situated by a Roman road running
from the fort of Bremenium to the coast, and it was probably the Romans who
built the stone walls which contain the waters today. The spring-fed well never freezes or runs
dry, and as well as a practical function in providing water to travellers and
their animals, it was likely venerated as a sacred place. Springs are venerated
in many cultures and the Romans commonly built shrines around them.
It was later
dedicated to the Anglo-Saxon Saint Ninian, who performed baptisms here in the 5th
century, and also St Paulinus, who reputedly baptised 3000 Northumbrians at the
well in AD627. This is almost certainly legend rather than history. A 15th
century statue of St Paulinus stands beside the well today. The Celtic-style
cross is a Victorian addition.
The well was
dedicated to the Virgin Mary in the 12th century when an Augustinian
Priory was built in the village, and this dedication remains today.
It’s a
powerful and peaceful place today, reflecting the wild nature of the
Northumberland countryside and the number of people who have paid their
respects to the place over two thousand or more years. The number of coins in
its waters are testament to the number of people who still respect its
vitality. It was recently announced one of the top ten historic spiritual sites
in England.
A second
ancient well is found in the village, dedicated to St Mungo, the 6th
century founder of Glasgow. It’s possible this was once a ‘mugger’s’ (tinker’s)
well, the saintly dedication a Victorian addition.
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