More information : [SD 39017391] Holy Well Spa [TI]. (1)
Holy Well Humphrey Head - This medieval well is situated three
and a half miles due south from Cartmel, at Humphrey Head. The
water which flows from the hillside into an artificial basin
or grotto, is said to have been used by lead miners from the time
of the Romans. On a map of 1828 (a) the well is called 'Spa Holy
Well'. (2)
The Holy Well was 'celebrated as a remedy for stone, gout and
cutaneous diseases'. The water is now enclosed by an ugly iron
hut, piped into a concrete basin, and to taste the water one
must scoop up that which trickles into a hollow in the sand.
Reference to the well occur in SARAH FELL'S Account Book for
1674. (3)
Of the building which formerly enclosed the well only a fragment
of walling, containing a recess, remains. Nearby is a broken
cistern of modern earthenware. The spring is still visible as
a trickle of water from the face of the cliff. (4)
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