St. Helen's Well - Market Weighton. UK - Holy Wells on Waymarking.com

A nearby information board has information about both the well and Saint Helen.

Saint Helen's Well

St Helen's Well is one of four named wells in the Goomanham area. It is situated along the Hudson Way which is on a disused railway line and is part of one of the national trails of England and Wales, The Yorkshire Wolds Way. The water flows from a natural spring in the hillside with an arch, pouring into a wide triangular stone bath before being piped away at the bottom.

The unusual bath may have been used for healing purposes in centuries past, and because of the close proximity to the old railway line, a piped supply from the well was more recently used to refill steam engines.

The spring is fed by ground water contained within the chalk, which rests upon layers of clay, so it flows from the side of the hill instead. Rain seeping into the hills takes many years to flow through this chalk aquifer before it flows out of the well. The chalk of the Wolds was formed in warm shallow seas arouind 100 million years ago, and consists of the microscopic remains of plankton. Although it has filtered through the chalk, it is not recommended to drink the water of the spring.

In recent years locals and visitors have taken to tying ribbons and other significant items to the surrounding trees as a ritual for good health or good luck. Whilst this is a lovely tradition, please bear in mind the long term impact that larger or non biodegradable items may have on the wildlife and trees.

Saint Helen Flavia Luila Helena, also known as Saint Eleanor, Saint Helena, Helen Augusta and Helena of Constantinople (AD c. 248-329) was the first wife of Constantius Chlorus and the mother of Emperor Constantine the Great.

Emperor Constantine was declared Emperor in York in 306AD. He was the first Roman Emperor to become a Christian. He converted to Christianity around 312AD when he is said to have seen a vision of the cross of Jesus against the sun.

Many legends surround Saint Helen, she is considered a saint by the Orthodox and Catholic churches; famed for her piety and traditionally linked with the finding of relics of the True Cross and the remains of the Three Wise Men.

Friends of St. Helen's Well, a group of local volunteers both young and old alike, have been working hard to regenerate and maintain the well site with money from Market Weighton Town Council and other sources of funding. A large area previously inaccessible has been cleared through the trees and a new pathway, including some disabled access, has been laid. Several owl and bird boxers have been made locally and it is hoped that they will encourage successful nesting around the well.

Wildflowers, shrubs and a new hedgerow have been planted which will help to attract wildlife and increase biodiversity in the surrounding area. New benches have been made, positioned to provide rest for weary walkers in this peaceful and beautiful location. Whilst on your travels you may want to take time to locate Lady Well (Goodmanham SE 8873 4294) and Beggar's Bush Well (Goodmanham SE 8881 4341).

Please show consideration for the well and either take home any litter or place it in the bins provided. Fires, cycling and overnight camping are NOT permitted on this site.

Nearby car parking: Not Listed Weblink for more information on this Holy well: Not listed

Visit Instructions:
A photograph of the well would be appreciated to record your visit, but this is not absolutely mandatory, as long as you can describe your visit.
Do you know any more about the history of this well?. If so please let us know.

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