Before recorded history, these wells were places of veneration. Their age means that they have to be pre-christian. The reverence for such sites did not stop with the advent of Christianity, many being in common usage until the twentieth century. There has been an increased interest in these spiritual sites. Around many can be seen clouties hung on trees. Clouties are fragments of garments worn by those with an ailment. As the rag deteriorates, the ailment lessens.

Sancreed Well SW 418-294

Opposite Sancreed Church next to telephone kiosk is a path that leads to Sancreed Well. This only a short walk of approximately 400 metres. The well is underground but can be reached via a short flight of steps. Around the well can be seen clouties hung on trees. Close to the well is the remains of a small chapel.

Clouties At Sancreed Well

Passage Down To Well

Sancreed Well

Madron Well  SW 447-328

Madron well has a long history of use. There are many stories of its healing abilities. Clouties can be seen. In this case they are thankyous. Only 50 yards from the well is a small chapel reputed to be of pre Norman origin, baptisms are still carried out here.

Madron well is commonly known as the wishing well, and even after the Second World War, people would drop pins into it to enable wishes. The well was well known for its curative powers.

When visiting the well ensure that you have waterproof footware as the area is marshy. On the road to the well can be seen a medieval cross.

Madron Well Chapel ( Blight 1856 )

Cross Close To Well

Chapel Euny's Well  (SW 399 289)

This holy well or more precisely two wells are close to the ancient settlement of Carn Euny. While at the settlement they well worth paying a visit to, as they are only a short walking distance away. There is a path which can be accessed directly from the settlement, it is signed Pottery. Take this path to reach the wells.

The southern well is stepped, and out of the two wells is the well reputed to have healing powers. Healing ceremonies were carried out here well into the eighteenth century. The northern well is smaller and has no steps.

Chapel Euny North Well
Photograph by Chris Bond 

Chapel Euny South Well
Photograph by Chris Bond 

Alsia Well SW 394-251

A well reputed to have powers. Its waters were said to cure rickets and by dropping such items as pins, the future could be foretold.

St Levans Holy Well SW 381-220

There is a pre-Christian holy well at St Levan. As with many holy wells in Cornwall its water is reputed to have healing powers and is still used in the Church for baptisms. It can be reached by a flight of granite steps.