From the critically acclaimed BBC Two and iPlayer series Pilgrimage follows well known personalities of differing faiths and beliefs on a personal journey of discovery as they tackle some of the most famous walking routes across the UK and Europe. In this series the Pilgrims go to Wales in Pilgrimage: The Road Through North Wales.
In this Pilgrimage Moment, the Pilgrims visit St Winefride’s Well and find out about the story of St Winefride.
Transcript
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!
