Yorkshire Holy Wells |
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Our Lady's Well (Fairy Pin Well) - Brayton
Barf The first edition OS map marks a Lady's Well on top of Brayton Barf - a large isolated hill in the otherwise flat landscape to the south of Selby. In the local history and folklore of the area this Holy well also went by the name of the Fairy Pin Well, and the traditions and folk practices connected with it were noted by R.C. Hope, Rev Smith, and other local historians. A detailed account of the well and its folklore also appeared in the Literary Supplement of the Leeds Mercury in July 1884. The holy well was also marked on later OS maps and
apparently took the form of a small spring fed pool on the very top of
the hill. Unfortunately anyone climbing the wooded slopes of
Brayton Barf today will find that most of the hilltop is now covered by a
water storage and pumping facility. Perhaps just another case of their
being no room for local sites and traditions when it comes to modern
planning? The tale of the Fairy Pin Well In the folklore of this district Brayton
Barf was regarded as a home to the 'Faerie folk', with the area around the
hill top being a favourite spot for them. The tradition relates that one
day a local lass was out walking on the hill and decided to rest a while
beside the well. Whilst she sat there her thoughts turned to the subject
of her sweetheart
and at that moment she happened to look into the watery depths of the
well. The faeries took this opportunity to weave an enchantment
over her and while her body lay in a dream-like sleep beside the well, they
transported her to the hidden world of Faerie which exists alongside the world of
people. The fame of the well spread to such an extent that the Abbot of Selby Abbey came under pressure to put a stop to its popularity. To this end the abbot performed a hilltop service at the well, dedicating it to the Blessed Virgin, Our lady. However, this dedication perhaps suggests the Abbot was also a man of compassion and wisdom. And it is said that for long afterwards the well continued to provide answers in matters of the heart.
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