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Leechwell holy well is a medieval or earlier sacred spring situated in the parish of Ashton, near Totnes in Devon. The well comprises a stone-lined chamber and associated structures that served as a place of pilgrimage and healing, its name deriving from the medieval practice of applying leeches as a therapeutic treatment. The site reflects the widespread veneration of holy wells across south-western England during the medieval period, when such springs were attributed curative properties and drew devotional visits. Though its precise origins remain uncertain, the surviving physical remains indicate considerable age and the investment of resources in its construction and maintenance as a recognized place of religious significance.
Leechwell holy well, 350m south west of St Mary's Church is a scheduled monument protected by Historic England under reference 1020170. View the official record →
Leechwell holy well is a medieval or earlier sacred spring situated in the parish of Ashton, near Totnes in Devon. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic England (NHLE) under reference 1020170.
Leechwell holy well, 350m south west of St Mary's Church is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, legally protected by Historic England (NHLE) — the body responsible for designating and safeguarding heritage sites in England. The official designation reference is 1020170.
Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Luscombe Cross (2.4 km), Cornworthy Priory (5.1 km), Four bowl barrows at Bickleigh Brake 540m south west of Bickleigh, forming part of a linear round barrow cemetery (6.8 km).
Aubrey generates in-depth historical research for any address in Britain — drawing on scheduled monument data, Domesday records, Roman heritage, PAS finds and medieval history to reveal the complete story of a landscape.
Research the area around Leechwell holy well, 350m south west of St Mary's Church