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   Details of the Holy Well

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Location

 

Bradford

 

Holy Well Name

 

Cadio's Well

 

Map Reference

 

SS411 053: Public access

 

Date Visited

 

Jan-03

 

A stone well house situated alongside the access road to the National Trust site of Dunsland, Holsworthy. Structure is 2.5 m high and erected over over a spring which feeds clear water into the well from a channel on the right hand wall. This well is traditionally the site  where Cadio, who is mentioned in the Domesday Book as holding Dunsland from Earl Baldwin, is supposed to have killed the previous owner, the Saxon theign, Wulfric, for possession of the manor. Another local legend is that the chapel which stood close to the well, was pulled down by Humphrey Arscott in the early 16th century when his widowed mother decided to remarry in the chapel and so threaten his inheritance. A tradition of a ghostly horseman is associated with the Arscott family here. The tradition of ill luck associated with this well and Dunsland continued most recently when, following extensive renovations by the National Trust, the fine manor house at Dunsland was completely burnt down just before the property was to be opened to the public. Nothing is now left  on the site apart from a small stable building - and nearby the well.   Site is included in Devon Register of Sites and Monuments as a Sacred Well                                                                                                                       Also known as Fairy's Well.

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