All images and text are Copyright 2003 Terry Faull.

 This website is about Holy Wells in Tarka Country - an area in south west England which includes Dartmoor, Exmoor and the districts around. If you look at any large scale map of the area you will see thousands of blue “W” symbols each of which marks a well or spring. Some are claimed to be Holy Wells and about 50 of these have been selected for a detailed study. During the Project these wells have been visited and the evidence about their origins has been researched. Much of the information has come from secondary sources such as published records, church histories and existing studies. In addition, enquiries have been made with local people and others with knowledge of the subject and many hours have been spent looking at maps and walking the ground. Please click on the links below to find out more about Holy Wells.

• What is a Holy Well and where are they?
• Why are they important?
• The influence of Roman, Celtic and Anglo-Saxon cultures on Holy Wells
• Place Name Evidence for Holy Wells in Tarka Country
• Opposition and then annexation of Holy Wells
• Medieval Times and Beyond
• Holy Wells Today and in the future

In the preface to an 1894 book entitled “Ancient and Holy Wells of Cornwall”, M and L Quiller-Couch say:

“If these notes should chance to interest any Cornishman and antiquary, or should be the means of inciting him to the rebuilding or preservation of one of these lingering antiquities – that man will be no worse for them”

I would simply amend that to read “anyone who loves Devon” and be content that` the Project has been worthwhile.