Survey Data
Reg No
20904103
Rating
Regional
Categories of Special Interest
Archaeological, Artistic, Social
Original Use
Holy well
In Use As
Holy well
Date
1780 - 1820
Coordinates
146855, 94327
Date Recorded
06/10/2006
Date Updated
--/--/--
Description
Holy well, built c. 1800 around earlier well, standing in graveyard established c.1720. Facing north. Roughly rectangular-plan sandstone structure over St Abigail's Well, having corbelled stone roof and walls with plinth. Front elevation painted. Carved limestone plaque over stone-lintelled entrance to front elevation, with inscription 'St Abigail expelling the plague AD 1872'. Steps down to well itself, with square-headed niches to each side of passage. Carved stone grave markers to graveyard, with some elaborate tombstones and later polished grave markers. Rubble sandstone boundary walls with painted rubble sandstone piers with caps and double-leaf wrought-iron gates, with sandstone steps and having stile to north side.
Appraisal
This holy well has an interesting stone structure. Dedicated to Saint Abigail, it has been visited since time immemorial and is a key part of the religious and social history of the district. The surrounding graveyard contains a variety of carved headstones. The fine and handsome entrance gate and stile enhances the setting. The plaque commemorating the plague of 1872 adds important additional historical context to the site. The grave markers consist of a variety of forms, including upright gravestones, high crosses, and elaborate tombstones, some of which are finely carved and add artistic interest to the site.