St. Maughold's Well

St. Maughold’s Well is a natural spring which flows from the site where traditionally St. Maughold gave thanks for his safe deliverance after his journey across the Irish Sea. The spring is also associated with St. Patrick, who was instrumental in turning Maughold away from his previously dissolute life.

Like many of the Island’s ‘holy wells’, the spring is reputed to have healing qualities. It was thought to be ‘good for the eyes’, and was traditionally visited on easter Day. elsewhere on the headland, a rock formation called ‘St Maughold’s Chair’ formed part of the rituals associated with the well. Women wishing to conceive were to sit on the chair and take the water on the 25th March.

In common with other holy wells, the waters were also believed to provide protection from fairies and evil spirits, and those who visited were expected to leave a gift, including simple crosses made from two bits of straw, bent pins and coins. Victorian visitors left more – many etched their names and initials into the rocks that surround the spring.

Text from 'A Guide to the Archaeological Sites of the Isle of Man' by Andrew Johnson and Allison Fox.