Holy Wells - Case Study: The Necessity of Vigilance in Preservation of Heritage

Case Study: The Necessity of Vigilance in Preservation of Heritage

Often unmarked on maps and undistinguished by archaeological features, holy wells are a uniquely vulnerable category of ancient site. They continue to be lost to farming, drainage work, development or neglect. A recent instance is the desecration of St Bridget’s Well at Rosepark, Balrothery (County Dublin, Ireland), destroyed by building work in 2003 despite being a protected monument. and the destruction of a well at Rath Lugh during the construction of the M3 Motorway in the Tara-Skryne Valley, Ireland.

Various Holy Wells
Pilgrim's prayer from St. Brigid's Well
Typical Irish roadside well entrance
A cabinet containing offerings from pilgrims to a well
Su Tempiesu well, Orune, Sardinia
Santa Cristina Holy Well, Paulilatino, Sardinia
Santa Cristina Holy Well, Paulilatino, Sardinia
Holy well (Hagiasma) of St. Mary of the Spring in Istanbul.

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