Agnes Fountain

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.

The stone structure of Agnes Fountain in Allerford Plantation is well-preserved and in a stable condition. It is a good example of its class of monument and is sited in a highly visible location close to a waymarked footpath popular with walkers. Agnes Fountain has attracted visitors continuously since its foundation which was believed to be during the medieval period.

Details

The monument includes Agnes Fountain, a holy well situated in woodland, adjacent to a public footpath on a steep slope within Allerford Plantation. There are extensive views west towards Porlock Bay and south towards Allerford and Dunkery Hill. The well, which is believed to be of medieval date, is formed by a number of irregularly shaped stone slabs arranged around and below a spring which flows downwards from the steep hillside to join the Aller Brook below. The stone waterfall-like structure is 3.6m across and approximately 6.5m high from the bottom of the slope, and comprises stone slabs ranging in size from about 0.2m to 1.3m long. Further stones have been assembled in a basin-shaped design beneath the spring where water collects before flowing down into a narrow drainage channel. All modern drainage gratings and pipes are excluded from the scheduling, although the ground beneath these features is included.

MAP EXTRACT The site of the monument is shown on the attached map extract. It includes a 1 metre boundary around the archaeological features, considered to be essential for the monument's support and preservation.

Legacy

The contents of this record have been generated from a legacy data system.

Legacy System number:

35330

Legacy System:

RSM

Sources

Books and journals
Horne, E, Somerset Holy Wells, (1923), 52

Other
SS 94 NW 6, National Monuments Record,

End of official list entry

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