Holy Well, Pilleth

Dedication: none

Location: St Mary's Church, Pilleth

Coordinates: 52.30727N, -3.09226W

Grid reference: SO256682

Heritage designation: Grade II*

Pilleth was one of the few places in Wales that was mentioned in the Domesday Book, although it was included under Herefordshire. It was referred to as "Pelelei", and was recorded as having no inhabitants. The origin of the name "Pilleth" has been the subject of some debate; according to one theory, the name derives from something along the lines of "slope by the pool", which, as there do not appear to have ever been any other "pools" in the vicinity, may refer to the holy well.

Despite its remote location, Pilleth was a centre of pilgrimage during the medieval era. Pilgrims were attracted by both the holy well and by "Our Lady of Pilleth", a statue of the Virgin Mary that was venerated by visitors. The water of the holy well was, during this period, particularly renowned for its efficacy in the curing of eye ailments, specifically, it seems, ophthalmia, a type of inflammation in the eyes. The rectangular structure in which the spring rises is built for bathing or immersion in the water. Jonathan Williams mentioned the well in his History of Radnorshire (1859):

In the church-yard, on the north side of the church, is a steened and arched well, the water of which was formerly considered beneficial in ophthalmia, and other diseases of the eyes.

St Mary's Church, in its current form, dates from the 14th century (although the tower is thought to be older); whilst the age of the holy well is not exactly clear, the structure probably dates from around the same time. The well was once topped with a sort of stone covering, the remains of which have, according to some sources, been found at the bottom of the well. The Royal Commission visited the site on the 3rd of November, 1911, and described it briefly:

In the churchyard, on the north side of the tower, is the holy well formerly much resorted to for the cure of diseases of the eyes. It is an oblong enclosure, now carefully restored; steps lead down to the water at the southern end.

Today, the well survives in good condition behind St Mary's Church. When I visited the site in January, 2025, several ribbons had been tied to the trees surrounding the spring, and the remains of some more substantial offerings could be seen on the bank behind it. There was a very good depth of water in the well, although it was slightly murky and did not look drinkable.

The very short mention of Pilleth in the Domesday Book (CC-BY-SA Professor John Palmer, George Slater, and https://opendomesday.org)	A large quantity of water in the well	A (relatively) modern overflow pipe that has been inserted into the east side of the well; it is possible that the water once reached a much higher level
A small alcove in the west side of the well that may have held a statue of St Mary or could have served as a depository for offerings (a similar alcove can be seen at St Helen's Well, Rushton Spencer, Staffordshire)	The sign next to the well	A modern offering at the well

Access:

The well is located in the churchyard of St Mary's Church, which is open most days; even when the church is closed, the well should be accessible.