Broadclyst Holy Well in Devon, England

 

In Now Comes The Raven, I included a holy well built in homage to a goddess Azenore. While Azenore is a figment of my imagination, the holy well is not. Holy wells and roadside shrines go back thousands of years, and were sites to venerate the gods, old and new. 

Holy wells are believed to be pagan, predominately Celtic in origin. Springs and wells were seen as sacred and attributed to local gods. Often these were incorporated into the later Christian religion and associated with saints. 

Water was considered an elemental force, think water, fire, earth and air. Water was a blessing from the gods and took on mystical properties. It was believed that water could heal the sick or injured. Clootie or rag trees were often found alongside them. The rags were dipped into the water of the well and then tied to the tree, a request to the gods for their help. 

In Devon alone, there are more than 30 holy wells. See this website for more.  HOLY WELLS. The well in my book is based on the Boardclyst Holy Well outside of Exeter, Devon. I located it a bit closer to where my imaginary Wentworth Hall is located to make it within easy walking distance. The real well is in a smallish  bit of wood, off the side of a road and is hard to reach. The history of the well is not known. If you live in Devon and want to visit it here are the directions: 

Situated in a small wood on the south side of the lane that leads from the B3181 to Lower Comberoy Farm, about ¼ mile from the B road. 

If you've visited a holy well, let me know where and share a picture!