Sacred Waters: Holy Wells and Water Lore in Britain and Ireland

Sacred Waters examines the holy wells, springs and water customs of Britain and Ireland, bringing together folklore, traditional belief and the changing religious meanings attached to local water sources. Janet and Colin Bord consider how Christian saints and shrines became linked with older water practices, while also recording traditions of pilgrimage, healing, divination, cursing and wishing.

The book ranges across reports associated with fairies, goddesses, ghosts, witches and other supernatural figures, alongside customs involving offerings, rags, pins, bathing and ritual visits. Examples include St Winefride’s Well, Scotlandwell and Ffynnon Fair, with material from Wales, Scotland, England and Ireland. Reputed cures for ailments such as eye problems and warts form part of this account of water lore and sacred landscape.