St Winefride's Well
St Winefride's Well, Medieval water well and chapel in Holywell, Wales.
Description
St Winefride's Well is a medieval water well with a Gothic chapel in Holywell, Wales. The stone structure houses a spring-fed star-shaped basin beneath a vaulted ceiling, while water flows outward into an outdoor bathing pool.
History
The well became a pilgrimage site in 1115 after a legend arose that Saint Beuno restored his niece Winefride to life here following her beheading. The current Gothic chapel was built over the spring during the 15th century.
Culture
Visitors can still enter the well water today, just as pilgrims have done for centuries. The threefold immersion follows a tradition that makes this location Britain's longest continuously visited pilgrimage site.
Practical
The site opens daily from April through September between 9 AM and 5 PM, while winter hours run from October through March between 10 AM and 4 PM. The interior chapel is reached by steps that descend into the well house.
Did you know?
Mining operations in January 1917 caused the well to dry temporarily, leading to the discovery and diversion of an alternative underground water source. This new spring continues to supply the well today.
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