Dupath Well, near Callington (Cornwall)

16th century Cornish well house.

Summary 16th century buildings

Introduction

 This charming well-house of c. 1500 stands over an ancient spring, believed to cure whooping cough. Built by the Augustinian canons of nearby St Germans priory, it houses the remains of an immersion pool for cure-seekers.

History to the present day

 The Dupath well house is the largest and most impressive well of its type in Cornwall. Situated near to the border of the county, the sixteenth century chapel is an imposing structure of large grey granite blocks. Roughly decorated turrets sit at each corner, and above the entrance is a tall, steeple-like structure rising into the sky above. A single window with two lights nestles in the eastern wall allowing the morning sun to fill the chapel. The clear water of the well rises within the chapel and is channeled through a low stone trough.

The well house is said to have been constructed by the monks of St. Germans in 1510 and the chapel was rediscovered in a state of disrepair by a local antiquarian, the Reverend H. M. Price. The building was then restored to the excellent state in which it is found today.It is likely that the waters of the well were revered long before the construction of a formal chapel at the site.

Arrival information and how to find us

Address: Dupath Well, Cornwall, , United Kingdom

 Opening times:

All year
Any reasonable time
Mon - Sun

Admission prices:

Adult:Free
Children:Free
Concession:Free

Photographs courtesy of English Heritage Photographic Library.