St. Patricks Well — Holywell Lower

In pasture, in a slight hollow enclosed at W and N by gently rising ground. A natural spring well gathering in a small pool (max. dim. c. 2m; D 0.2m), with an outflow stream flowing to SE where it is channelled into a modern field drain. The head of the spring at the N edge of the pool is now enclosed by a concrete pipe. Curving around the N side of the spring is a low stony rise set in the top of which is a small stone cross (MA103-003003-). An ash tree stands at the W end of the rise, on the NW side of the spring. Named ‘St. Patrick’s Well’ on the 1838 and 1916 OS 6-inch maps, a pattern or prayer cycle was traditionally held here each year on the first Sunday in August. ‘St. Patrick’s Church (Site of)’ (MA103-003001-) is indicated immediately to W of the well on the 1916 OS 6-inch map, but no remains are now visible. Another church (MA102-002001-), a graveyard (MA103-002002-) and a children’s burial ground (MA103-002003-) are located 300m to NW. Compiled by: Jane O’Shaughnessy Date of upload: 4 October 2022