Madron
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Madron is to the NW of Penzance in Cornwall, England. The 7 x 5m ruined chapel known as Madron Baptistry is thought to have been built in the 14th century on earlier
foundations. The granite remains are host to ivy, ferns and briars. Water from the spring flows into a stone basin in the SW corner. Against the E wall there is a low
stone altar, while stone benches line the N & S walls.
This holy well is visited for it's healing qualities. The baptistry is approached along a grassy path which passes Saint Maddern's bed and the boggy source where rag
offerings are tied to the surrounding bushes.
Legend tells us that the pilgrim seeking healing should first visit the holy well - preferably on the first Thursday in May - to make suitable invocations before sleeping at
St Maddern's bed to allow the healing magic to manifest.
In Secret Shrines Paul Broadhurst gives the full account of how in 1640 John Trelille was miraculously cured in this way, as testified by the Bishop of Exeter.
The celtic stone cross stands beside the ancient way to guide pilgrims en route to Lanyon Quoit
As the narrow lane twists and turns it takes us deep into the heart of this ancient Land. Soon a narrower path beckons. We leave behind the world of Everyday, for
this Way leads to the Well and Baptistry.
Meandering gently beside the stone hedge, overhung by aged thorn trees, the path is soft beneath our feet. Dappled sunlight filters through the branches, to glisten
from the still waters around their roots. For this is the Well of legend.
As we gaze into the clear water we see reflected there many colours. Looking up we see that the trees all around this magical pool are bedecked with rags and
ribbons of every colour imaginable... left here as offerings to the Spirit of the Well. For it is believed that as the offering decays, so that for which the Pilgrim prays will
manifest.
Making our way a little further along the old pilgrim path we reach the Baptistry. The roof is long gone, and the ancient stones are clad in soft green lichen and ivy. We
sit on the granite bench, listening to the gentle notes of the sacred water as it trickles into the font beside us.
The sacred aura mesmerises the senses.
We spend a long while in silent contemplation, before returning slowly along the ancient Way, once more to the world of Everyday.. |
Pilgrims leave rag offerings here, just as they do at Glastonbury, Sancreed, La Bonne Fontaine, Courbefy and La Fontaine à devotion de la Fontenille.
Other holy wells in Cornwall are to be found at St Keyne, St Cuby, St Clether, and St Cubert
An Otherworld Encounter
The Offering at The Well
Artwork
The Candle at The Well
Click to go to Mythic Art for details.
Selected Bibliography:
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