Reasons for Designation
Holy wells are water sources with specifically Christian associations. The
custom of venerating springs and wells as sacred sites is also known to have
characterised pre-Christian religions in Britain and, although Christian wells
have been identified from as early as the 6th century AD, it is clear that
some holy wells originated as earlier sacred sites. The cult of holy wells
continued throughout the medieval period. Its condemnation at the time of the
Reformation (c.1540) ended new foundations but local reverence and folklore
customs at existing holy wells often continued, in some cases to the present
day.
The holy wells sometimes functioned as sites for baptism but they were also
revered for less tangible reasons, some of which may have had origins in pre-
Christian customs, such as folklore beliefs in the healing powers of the water
and its capacity to effect a desired outcome for future events. Associated
rituals often evolved, usually requiring the donation of an object or coin to
retain the 'sympathy' of the well for the person seeking its benefits.
At their simplest, holy wells may be unelaborated natural springs with
associated religious traditions. Structural additions may include lined well
shafts or conduit heads on springs, often with a tank to gather the water at
the surface. The roofing of walled enclosures to protect the water source and
define the sacred area created well houses which may be simple, unadorned
small structures closely encompassing the water source, or larger buildings,
decorated in the prevailing architectural style and facilitating access with
features such as steps to the water source and open areas with stone benching
where visitors might shelter. At their most elaborate, chapels, and sometimes
churches, may have been built over the well or adjacent well house. The number
of holy wells is not known but estimates suggest at least 600 nationally. They
provide important information on the nature of religious beliefs and practices
and on the relationship between religion and the landscape during the medieval
period.
Details
The monument includes a medieval holy well, known as Menacuddle Well, situated
to the north of St Austell in southern mid-Cornwall.
Menacuddle Well, which is a Listed Building Grade II*, survives as a small
granite building over a well basin. It is orientated east-west with the east
wall built against the natural rock face. The structure measures 2.3m high by
2.74m wide and 3.45m long. It is constructed of large granite blocks and
mortar, while the roof is also of large granite slabs supported on three
massive ribs. In both the north and south walls is a pointed arched entrance
with moulded granite surround and decorated capitals. There is a small rounded
arched window in the west wall with an information plaque mounted on the
exterior next to it. The floor of the well house is paved with granite. Water
from a spring fills a stone basin at the east end of the well house, and
drains out through the south door.
Legacy
The contents of this record have been generated from a legacy data system.
Legacy System number:
31865
Legacy System:
RSM
Sources
Books and journals Other
Legal
This monument is scheduled under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979 as amended as it appears to the Secretary of State to be of national importance. This entry is a copy, the original is held by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.
End of official list entry
