Black and white

Acc.no: PEZPH : 2016.50.981

Identification

Item: Trelill Holy Well, Wendron, Kerrier, Cornwall

Description: Trelill medieval holy well stands in the corner of a field to the SE of Trelill farm at grid ref: SW6788 2847. Quiller-Couch in his book entitled 'Ancient and Holy Wells of Cornwall' (1894) refers to the well as Helstone Holy Well: ..."a very beautiful and fair-sized building of large granite blocks, with a pointed roof, the interior of which is arched on either side, the actual top being composed of two large granite slabs. A rounded arch, five feet seven inches high, and three feet two inches wide, forms the entrance, and on either side of the interior is a rude granite slab, forming a seat. At the back of the interior is another and smaller arch, this forms a recess of thirty inches overarching the actual well, the water or which is deep and clear; the larger building being dry and paved with stone". In Helstone, its fame seems to be almost entirely forgotten; but one woman, on being questioned, remembered visiting the spot in her girlhood for the purpose of dropping a pin accompanied by a wish into its magic waters; she also spoke of a tradition which explained that many years ago, Wendron Church was being built upon the spot but for some reason, unknown to present day, there were strong objections to this locality, and crows came by night and removed every stone, with the exception of the porch, which remaining portion now forms the covering of the well.

Condition: Good

Description

Material: Photographic paper

Production

Method: Printed

Category: Photography

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