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Holy Well

Sacred Well

Nearest Town:Chippenham (4km ENE)
OS Ref (GB):   ST88027272 / Sheet: 173
Latitude:51° 27' 10.07" N
Longitude:   2° 10' 20.75" W

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Details of well on Pastscape

[ST 8802 7272] Holy Well [TI]. (1-2)
A spring called Holy Well in Chippenham parish or east of Biddestone is mentioned by Aubrey-"I think I have been told that the water is good for the eyes". He also refers to the finding of a distinctive type of star-shaped fossil in the water which has also been found as recently as 1940. (3-4)
The spring at ST 88027272 is known locally to produce star shaped fossils and is therefore probably that referred to by Aubrey. The spring has a stone surround with a slate trough and is probably of 19th c. construction. See G.P. Published (1:2500) Survey correct. (5)
The feature known as "Holy Well" is generally well preserved; the spring now issues below the trough and its stone surround.
Correctly shown at 1:2500 on PFD. (6)

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SOURCE TEXT
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( 1) General reference O.S. 1", 1808.
( 2) General reference O.S.6", 1955.
( 3) General reference Topo Colns. for Wilts. by Aubrey 1695-70 (J.E.Jackson,1862) 72.
( 4a) General reference Nat.Hist.of Wilts, 45 (J.Aubrey)
( 4) General reference W.A.M.,49,1940-2,116.
( 5) Field Investigators Comments F1 ANK 14-NOV-67
( 6) Field Investigators Comments F2 MJF 29-APR-76
Chance Posted by Chance
21st August 2012ce