St. Mary Magdalenes Well

Marked on the 1839 and 1941 eds of the OS 6-inch map and described in gothic script as St. Mary Magdalene’s Well on both, with the additional information ‘Site of’ on the later map. According to John O’Donovan writing c. 1840 the a pattern was held at the well on July 22nd until c. 1790 (O’Flanagan 1933, vol. 1, 376). It is situated on a slight NE-facing slope and is located in the garden of a house, but it is not visible at ground level. Maudlintown church (WX037-041001-) is c. 150m to the SW. St. Mary Magdalene, the penitent, is recorded in the Gospels. Her repentance at the feet of Christ led to her becoming an ardent disciple. She was with Mary at the Crucifixion, and was the first to encounter the risen Christ. (Butler, 1883, 102) Compiled by: Michael Moore Date of upload: 14 December, 2012 Amended: 14 January, 2014

St. Mary Magdalene’s Well is associated with the veneration of Mary Magdalene, a prominent figure in Christian tradition often linked with penance and healing. Holy wells dedicated to her were commonly visited for cures related to mental or physical afflictions, and it was traditional to anoint the body or drink the water for spiritual renewal.