All images and text are Copyright 2003 Terry Faull.

This website is an introduction to the Holy and Ancient Wells of Devon. It describes the sites which were visited and photographed in 2002/3 as part of a Project funded in the Tarka Country around Dartmoor and Exmoor under the Tarka Country Millennium Awards Programme and carried out by Terry Faull. Following the end of the Project, Terry extended his research to cover the whole of the county of Devon and the results of this more extensive study have been published in a book- Secrets of the Hidden Source: In search of the Holy and Ancient Wells of Devon published by Halsgrove.

Wells and springs of water abound throughout Devon but a few have a tradition of healing, fortune telling or spiritual significance. These traditions are ancient; some may come from a time before the coming of the Saxons in the 5th century CE when the area was part of the Celtic kingdom of Dumnonia and where Celtic Christianity was brought from across the western sea by the Saints. Other holy well traditions were fostered by the church in the middle ages when pilgrimage to holy shrines was encouraged and where visitors seeking healing etc. could bring reputation and wealth.

In Cornwall the tradition of the holy well has been preserved but in Devon it is in danger of being forgotten and lost. So far over 200 holy well sites have been re-discovered across the County; while a few are still cared for by the church or local communities, many more have become neglected and derelict and are in danger of being lost forever.

We may question the stories about the miracles which our ancestors believed were possible from visiting a holy well. However today we are beginning to recognise that there may be some truth in the belief that time spent in the quiet of the countryside can help restore the body and the soul. Many of Devon’s holy wells are to be found in woods and fields and to visit them it so discover a special sense of place.

Order now through WH Smiths for £14.95 - and earn club card points.

Click HERE to order

 If you have any comments or require further information please contact Terry Faull.