Holy Well (destroyed): OS Grid Reference – TL 997 254
Archaeology & History
Near the centre of the ancient city could once be found the flowing waters of St. Helen’s Well. It was described many times in various legal and land documents from as early as 1331 CE onwards, in Colchester’s Oath Book. However, descriptions of the site itself and its curative abilities were not noted. It was simply associated with St Helen’s Chapel, whose original foundations date from the 12th century.
Folklore
One tradition told that it was St Helen herself who founded the chapel here. St Helen’s feast day is Agust 18.
References:
- Benham, W. Gurney (trans.), The Oath Book; or, Red Parchment Book of Colchester, Essex County Standard: Colchester 1907.
© Paul Bennett, The Northern Antiquarian
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