Holy Well: OS Grid Reference – SE 7408 7106
Archaeology & History
Found to the southwest edge of Hildenley Wood, on the west side of the track between Malton and Coneythorpe Road, the waters from the initial source of the well runs into a small well-house, and from here Nature’s blood runs into a small pool. The first reference I’ve found of the place is in T. Whellan’s (1859) huge survey, where he said,
“There is on the verge of Easthorpe Wood a copious and pure spring of water known by the name of Holy Well, which tradition affirms to have been much resorted to by the monks of Kirkham Abbey…and even to this day healing virtues are attributed to it.”
In Whelan & Taylor’s (1989) survey of the site, they noted the existence of another well a short distance away, but did “not know of any sacred associations connected with this site, but its proximity to the Holy Well may suggest the recognition of this area as a sacred spot.”
References:
- Whelan, Edna & Taylor, Ian, Yorkshire Holy Wells & Sacred Springs, Northern Lights: Pocklington 1989.
- Whellan, T., History and Topography of the City of York – volume 2, Whellan & Co: Beverley 1857.
© Paul Bennett, The Northern Antiquarian
