Well Obsessed

Well Obsessed This page is a celebration of the work carried out by Bridgwater Land based Studies Students at St Agnes Holy Well at Cothelstone.

The focus of the page and project was to engage young people, including those with educational/ behavioural difficulties, with the conservation, understanding and appreciation of St Agnes Holy Well in Somerset. The well is regarded as one of the most complete and important examples of its type in the county, in recognition of which it is listed grade II*, which accounts for only 6% of listed buildings nationally. However, it is in a secluded location and was not widely publicised or visited. The Well had become overgrown and inaccessible and it was hard to locate, and therefore under-appreciated. The intention was to involve young people in the enhancement of the Well, both physically and through the celebration and promotion of its cultural importance. Through a combination of creative and practical activities, the project aimed to make heritage relevant and interesting to a group not often actively involved with historic sites. Furthermore, a lasting legacy could be created both in the physical improvement to the fabric and surroundings of the well, and in the production of multi-media material for its publicity and interpretation. As well as this wider aim, it was intended to involve heritage and craft professionals to educate the young people in the heritage importance of the Well and the skills required to conserve it. It was also planned to use the project to raise awareness in the local community of the Well’s communal value. The accumulation of the work led to the creation of a Holy Well App which is downloadable onto apple devices for free. The free App link is here: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/holy-well/id1139540831?mt=8 only for apple devices. Link to press release http://www.newleaf.uk.com/2016/08/well-on-the-web/

There are some places that quietly shape your love ❤️ of life.For me, St Agnes’ Well is one of them.Over past 20 years I...
13/02/2026

There are some places that quietly shape your love ❤️ of life.

For me, St Agnes’ Well is one of them.

Over past 20 years I’ve been involved in supporting its restoration, helping to honour a late-medieval spring, built in the Perpendicular style sometime between 1300 and 1500, and carrying centuries of story in its stonework. It’s a small site, tucked into the Somerset landscape near Cothelstone Manor but it holds an extraordinary depth of heritage and folklore.

Yesterday I met Charlie Taylor and Matt Falkner there to record an episode of Secret Somerset, airing on BBC Somerset Sound Radio Bristol today. Standing beside the well, speaking about its history, its lovers’ legends, and its place in our local imagination, felt like bringing something full circle. It reminded me how powerful these quiet, rooted places can be not just historically, but personally.

I was married at St Agnes’ Well. It’s named a Lovers Well. I also heard of a secret love that once unfolded there which will be shared on this mornings episode.

If you would like to know more about its history and our involvement here is a short video. https://youtu.be/Wx90BfmW21I?si=4rH2_ka1VJcwb1ZM the work shown in this video is deeply connected to Debbie McKenna Debbie who delivered the most beautiful arts project at the well.

This is a short film made about St Agnes Well Cothelstone and a group of students from Bridgwater and Taunton College. We engaged with local artist Lucy Larg...

One month ago St Agnes Well had its first Wedding. Becky Wright and Alex Roland held a beautiful Druid Ceremony next to ...
03/06/2025

One month ago St Agnes Well had its first Wedding. Becky Wright and Alex Roland held a beautiful Druid Ceremony next to the well with their friends and family gathered. Each guest was blessed with Well water and they used the bowls made by students from Bridgwater Land based Studies group a few years ago. The well became decorated with flowers as part of the Well Dressing which would have taken place around Mayday.

It was a very special magical day and it felt like the well really came alive for them both. You may spot Debbie McKenna who led the Arts based Well Project which received a Certificate of Commendation from Historic England Angel Awards for Best Contribution to a heritage project by young people.

01/04/2025

Some clearing with Jon Barrett from the Quantock Landscape Partnership Scheme and Don Church massive thank you to both of you for all your help today.

Just a little reminder that we will be at St Agnes We’ll on Tuesday ( tomorrow) at 1pm for some well clearing and tidyin...
31/03/2025

Just a little reminder that we will be at St Agnes We’ll on Tuesday ( tomorrow) at 1pm for some well clearing and tidying if you would like to join us.

24/02/2025

We are organising a special St Agnes well clear up on Tuesday 1st April so a date for your diaries. Would be great if you could come along and help us 🙌

21/01/2024

Today is St Agnes Eve. I popped down to the well today to see how it is. No photos I’m afraid as it was hammering with rain.

St. Agnes is a martyr from the early Church in Rome. Though she was only a young girl when she faced death, her devotion to her faith is an example to all of us as we face adversity. She is the patron saint of engaged couples, victims of sexual abuse, and gardeners.

I collected some water to make some more of our water room purifiers and clear some plants.

The well door is now locked which is a good idea to stop folk throwing coins into the water. I’m going to get a group together soon to do a spring clean let me know if you want to join us.

Here are some lovely photos from today thanks to Quantock Landscape Partnership Scheme the volunteers were brilliant and...
10/10/2022

Here are some lovely photos from today thanks to Quantock Landscape Partnership Scheme the volunteers were brilliant and some lovely chats while we cleared the space for the magic to emerge. Really appreciated Jon and all the helpers just brilliant 🙏

10/10/2022

Look at these lovely folk volunteering today to help clear the well. Massive thank you to Quantock Landscape Partnership Scheme for organising the volunteers and for you on here who helped to initiate this. What a great way to spend Mental Health Day. Looking after our own well-being.

10/10/2022

It’s World Mental Health Day and I’m off to the well with some amazing helpers to do some clearing and cleaning. Hope to send you some after pics later.

Yesterday I visited St Agnes Well. It’s very much in need of some TLC. We used to have the Land Based Studies students t...
14/09/2022

Yesterday I visited St Agnes Well. It’s very much in need of some TLC. We used to have the Land Based Studies students taking care of it but since they stopped it’s just up to those who visit and sometimes volunteers from the AONB. If you have the time the well needs you. Maybe we could get a volunteer day together? Let me know your thoughts.

Address

Cothelstone

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Well Obsessed posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share