A1-The Great North Road
Springs have existed since it first started raining and since people peopled the landscape some have been named and regarded as very special places. There is a rich folklore associated with them embellished with continual use since prehistoric times. There is probably no greater contrast to be had than between the rush of the A1 and the tranquility of a half-forgotten well, its crystal waters emerging from rocks arranged centuries ago. Take time to seek some soggy spots and pause awhile in a damp dell.
There is a wonderful source of information and inspiration in the on-line Living Spring Journal.
And here's an on-line version of The Legendary Lore of the Holy Wells of England by Robert Charles Hope (London: Elliot Stock 1893), with its long list of wells arranged by county.
The following wet places are arranged roughly from south to north.
Hail Weston, Bedfordshire
St Helen's Well, Barnburgh, Yorkshire
Conisbrough, South-west of Doncaster, Yorkshire
Robin Hood's Well, North of Doncaster, Yorkshire
Little John's Well, North of Doncaster, Yorkshire
Pin Well, Brayton, near Selby, Yorkshire
Lady Well, Goodmanham, Yorkshire
St Helen's Well, Goodmanham, Yorkshire
Beggars Bush Well, Goodmanham, Yorkshire
Mastill Spring, Goodmanham, Yorkshire
Lady Well, Nunburnholme, Yorkshire
Lady Spring, Warter, Yorkshire
Lady Well, Seaton Ross, Yorkshire
St Peter's Well, York Minster, Yorkshire
Zouche Chapel Well, York Minster, Yorkshire
St Helen's Well, Rudgate, Yorkshire
Black Tom's Well, Newton Kyme, near Tadcaster, Yorkshire
St Mungo's Well, Copgrove Park, Yorkshire
St Michael's Well, Well Village, near Leeming, Yorkshire
St Mary's Well, Thirsk, Yorkshire
St John's Well, Mount Grace Priory, near Northallerton, Yorkshire
Croft Spa, Croft-on-Tees, Durham
Hell Kettles, Croft-on-Tees, Durham
Virgin Well, Chester-le-Street. Durham
Yorkshire Holy Wells A comprehensive guide to springs and wells in Yorkshire.
©Biff Vernon 2002