Pilgrimage Moments: St Winefried’s Well

Narrator:   The pilgrims arrive at Saint Winifred's well. It's known by some as the Lords of Wales.

Amanda:  This is exciting.

Spencer:   It's very. It's very beautiful.

Narrator:   The well has been a Christian pilgrim destination since the eighth century, and these days has around 30,000 visitors a year. The precinct covering the well dates back to 1500.

Spencer:   Oh, wow.

Narrator:   But the spring water has always been known for its healing properties.

Michaela: Oh, look at this. Look at this.

Sonali:      Roman baths vibes.

Amanda:   Absolutely.

Michaela: So this is the source. Oh, wow.

Amanda: It's amazing.

Michaela: So Winnifred was the daughter of a local prince. In around 630 A.D she was visiting the original church that once stood here when Caradoc, a local chieftain, attempted to seduce her. Having recently taken a vow of celibacy. She rejected his advances, sending him into a blind rage.

Eshaan: Oh, no. Men.

Spencer: Honestly.

Michaela: She ran from him towards the church and her uncle Beuno, but the thwarted lover pursued her and chopped off her head.

Eshaan: What?

Michaela: In the place where her head fell. A spring of water suddenly appeared. Which is this.

Eshaan: What's this here?

Michaela: It was at this point that her Uncle Beuno allegedly took up her head, placed it back on her body. He then prayed and brought her back to life. So that's a real miracle story.

Amanda: It is. Yeah.

Michaela: Are you going?

Spencer: Yeah.

Michaela: It's flipping cold.

Narrator: The spring water is icy cold.

Michaela: That's fresh.

Spencer: This is lovely.

Narrator: For those seeking a cure. Certain traditions have persisted over time.

Spencer: Three laps of the pool.

Amanda: That is for the healing isn't it?

Narrator: Like walking around the pool three times. Or total immersion three times.

Sonali: One more.

Amanda: Well done!