The well and its garden are believed to be a place of healing (Picture: Shutterstock / Marco Fine)
In a country rich with history there’s no shortage of spots that transport you back to times gone by, but one in particular is said to be more historic than the rest.
Located in the South West English county of Somerset, there is a destination so special that it’s been a place of pilgrimage for thousands of years.
Described as ‘magical’, ‘tranquil’ and a place of great peace, a garden in Glastonbury is home to Chalice Well, also known as the Blood Well.
What is Chalice Well?
Chalice Well is an ancient spring that flows from the ground, in a valley between two hills. It sits among landscapes gardens, with different areas, each with different plants and qualities.
The total depth of the well is 9ft, and the spring has never been known to run dry.
It dates back about 2.5 million years. When the site was excavated in 1961, ancient yew stump were found, as well as flints from the Palaeolithic or Mesolithic eras. Shards of Iron Age, Roman and Mediaeval pottery were found.
It’s thought to have been in use as a well in its current form from about the 12th century.
The gardens include the well itself, as well as pools fed by its waters.
Chalice Well opening hours
1 October to 31 March: 10am to 4:30pm (last entry at 4pm)
1 April to 30 September: 10am to 6pm (last entry at 5:30pm)
What makes Chalice Well so special?
Chalice Well’s red water has a rather holy theory behind it (Picture: Shutterstock / Marco Fine)
Chalice well is considered to be a place of spirituality and many believe its waters have healing properties.
In Christianity, some believe it to be the exact spot where the Holy Grail is buried, the cup Jesus Christ used at the Last Supper.
Legend says that Joseph of Arimathea visited the site, and buried the Grail, in which he collected blood Jesus’ wounds during the crucifixion.
Of course, there are many other locations around the world where the mysterious Holy Grail is also supposedly buried, but the theory is thought to have gained traction because the waters are red in colour, due to the rich iron content. It also maintains an 11C temperature, no matter the time of year, which means it can coagulate, much like haemoglobin.
Chalice well dressed with a floral wreath (Credits: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
For others, the well represents the divine female, with nearby Glastonbury Tor representing the divine male, with the waters being a gift from Mother Earth.
And, some believe the well and surrounding gardens are a place where we can glimpse into other worlds. The Chalice Well Trust was created in 1959, and its founder, Wellesley Tudor Pole, said that the well was a ‘geographical centre where the veil is “thinner” than elsewhere.’ He added it was therefore a suitable place for a ‘spiritual and healing oasis’.
Now, the trust aims to help people …read more
Source:: Metro
