St. Non's Well, St. Davids
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As was often the case in medieval Wales, the Chapel of St. Non became associated with a well, which lies to the east of the chapel, below the modern retreat center.
History
It is unknown when the well was first recognized as sacred. In the late 16th century, St. Non's Well was covered with a stone roof, with benches around the walls.
Its popularity as a wishing well, and the use of its waters to cure various complaints and to dip babies in, continued into the 18th century when repairs were made to the structure. In its present form St. Non's Well dates from 1951, when the Roman Catholic church restored it.
Reached by a short walk on a path through the fields from St. Non's Chapel, a small stream runs cold and clear out of an arched reservoir. Coins have been cast into the well. Next to the well is a simple wooden sign that reads:
ANCIENT MONUMENT
ST. NON'S WELL
This well is said
to have sprung up
during a thunderstorm
when St. David was
born about 500 AD.
Its waters are reputed
to have healing properties.
Near the well is a small shrine with a statue of St. Non, arms outstretched in compassion. She is decorated with bracelets and necklaces, and memorials and prayers for children have been left at her feet.
- J. Wyn Evans and Rick Turner, St Davids Bishop's Palace and St. Non's Chapel, 3rd ed. (CADW, 2005).
- Author visit (February 2006).
