 |
| The Leechwell, Totnes |
Holy Wells of Devon & Cornwall
An illustrated talk by Terry Faull
Thursday 2nd May 2013 @ 7pm
Sacred springs have been a feature in many cultures throughout history. With the coming of Christianity from Rome, many ancient British water cult centres were initially outlawed by the church but later adopted as places of pilgrimage. In the Celtic fringes, veneration of such places continued in an unbroken tradition and holy wells in Ireland, Wales and Cornwall are widely documented. In Devon, holy wells are less celebrated but here too there are remnants of a rich heritage which, just beyond living memory, was an important feature in many rural communities. This illustrated talk looks at the evidence for holy wells in Cornwall and Devon and tells some of the traditions and history associated with them.
Terry Faull has been studying landscape history for over 40 years and as a Millennium Award Student he examined the tradition of Holy Wells in Devon. This involved research and travel to all parts of the County and beyond. He is a member of the British Agricultural History Society, the Royal Institution of Cornwall and Associate of the Institute of Cornish Studies. Terry writes and lectures widely on West Country rural history.
Booking is essential and places will be allocated on a first come first served basis. Tickets are £5 and available in advance from the DRA, the price includes refreshments available from 6.30pm when doors open, please do not arrive before this time.
The Devon Rural Archive is at Shilstone, near Modbury, South Devon. Directions and further information, visit the DRA website.
Aside from specific events, the DRA is open every Tuesday and Thursday from 11am to 3pm, there is no need to book and entry is free. If you are visiting, please remember to enter the site with caution and note the speed limit within the grounds is 5 miles per hour.
- RG