Dupath Well PL17 8AD
Entry: Free for Everyone
Open: seasonal - check website
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About:
In the medieval period the cult of holy wells was very strong, and during that time about 40 Cornish springs or wells had structures of some kind built over them, usually simple gabled houses. Dupath is an unusually large and late example of such a holy well-house, and it has survived largely unaltered..
The small chapel-like building was probably built in about 1510 by the Augustinian canons of the nearby priory of St Germans, to whom the site belonged. It was dedicated to St Ethelred.
At one time the spring at Dupath was believed to cure whooping cough, and it has been suggested that, in addition to its role in healing the sick, the spring may have been used on occasion for baptisms.
The little building may have been a worthwhile financial investment for the canons of St Germans, since visitors to the spring would have left offerings, much as they do at wishing wells today. We know from monastic records that such sources of income were jealously guarded by religious houses.
Although the cult of holy wells was condemned at the time of the Reformation in the mid-16th century, local reverence for them and folklore customs continued, in some cases to the present day.
They often attracted local legend. One grim tale associated with Dupath recounts that two Saxons – Colan (Cornish for heart or courage) and Gottlieb – fought a duel there for a lady’s hand. But the maiden remained unmarried: Colan was killed outright and Gottlieb fatally wounded, though some versions say he died later of ‘impatience’.

Dogs:
Dogs on leads are welcome.

Parking:
There is a designated parking area within the farmyard. Please take care as this is a working farm, so you may encounter livestock or farm machinery..

Facilities:
The town of Callington is located just 1 mile away and has a number of cafes, shops and pubs.

Notes:
Follow the brown signs from the A388. Dupath Well is located on a working farm situated off Dupath Lane. The well-house is positioned on a grassy area to the side of a narrow footpath, which may be uneven.

Contact:
Website: www.english-heritage.org.uk
Tel: 0370 3331181