Discover the Spiritual Heritage of Saint Seiriol’s Well in Anglesey

Introduction

Nestled in the eastern side of Ynys Mon (Anglesey), located next to the lovely Penmon Priory complex, Saint Seiriol’s Well (Ffynnon Seiriol) stands as a testament to the island’s rich tapestry of spiritual traditions. While its Christian association is rooted in the legacy of Saint Seiriol, a revered 6th-century Welsh saint, like all Wells, its story likely stretches further back into the mists of antiquity. This article explores the Well’s Christian and Pagan history. It will touch upon its reputation as both a source of healing and whether it was also a site for cursing, reflecting the complex beliefs of the communities that have gathered around its waters for centuries.

Leading from the paid car park by Penmon Priory, the Well is situated at the end of a short walk past a monastic fishpond that is fed by the spring. Saint Seiriol’s Well is housed within a relatively modern stone structure in a walled garden. The Well is square shaped and surrounded by stone benches that are likely much older than the building. To the left of the Well are the remains of a circular stone building that is rumoured to date back to the early Christian period, although no evidence to confirm this has been found [1].

The spring emerges from the cliff face behind the Well house, and the water is generally crystal clear all year round. In the wetter seasons the Well is known to overflow and flood the access path. So, if you visit during these times, wear appropriate footwear.

Who Was Saint Seiriol?

Saint Seiriol lived in the 6^th Century and was the son of King Owain Danwyn of Rhos [2]. He was one of three sons, the other two went on to become kings like their father.

According to legend, Saint Seiriol used to meet Saint Cybi of Holyhead every week at a central location on the island, namely at the Clorach Wells in Llanerchymedd. Seiriol always walked with his back to the sun in the morning and returned with his face away from the sun in the evening, as a result he became known as Saint Seiriol the Pale/White and his partner who walked in the opposite direction, Cybi the Tanned/Dark.

As he aged, Seiriol retired to Ynys Lannog, which became known as Ynys Seiriol. After the Viking invasion, it became known as Priestholm and then Puffin Island in English since the 19^th Century. It is rumoured that Saint Seiriol is buried either on or near the Island. This island clearly held great importance for the early Christians as Gerald of Wales stated in his writings:

There is a small island almost adjoining to Anglesey, which is inhabited by hermits, living by manual labour, and serving God. It is remarkable that when, by the influence of human passions, any discord arises among them, all their provisions are devoured and infected by a species of small mice, with which the island abounds; but when the discord ceases, they are no longer molested…This island is called in Welsh, Ynys Lenach, or the ecclesiastical island, because many bodies of saints are deposited there, and no woman is suffered to enter it.’

Saint Seiriol is venerated on February the 1^st in both the Catholic and Eastern European Church [3].

The Christian History of Saint Seiriol’s Well

The earliest churches on Ynys Mon, and Wales in general, were built at locations connected to cells of hermits. The supposed ruins of Saint Seiriol’s cell can be seen to the left of the Well, as mentioned above, although no evidence of the date or purpose of this building has been found. Seiriol lived in the 6^th Century and erected the first wooden church on the site which prospered until the Viking raids of the 10^th Century [4].

Pagan Roots of Saint Seiriol’s Well

I will be honest, I struggled to find any information related to the pre-Christian use, or existence, of the Well. But that does not mean that it was not venerated by the Celtic people of the area. Long before Christianity took hold in Cymru (Wales), natural springs and Wells were sacred sites for the early inhabitants. Water, essential for life, was revered as a gift from the earth, and Wells were believed to be liminal portals to the Otherworld (Annwfn), a realm of spirits and deities [5].

In pre-Christian times, Wells like Saint Seiriol’s were often dedicated to goddesses of fertility and healing. Offerings would often be left at the water’s edge to appease these spirits. Archaeological finds throughout Anglesey support the idea that ritual activity at Wells was widespread, with communities relying on their spiritual power for prosperity and protection [6].

Located a short walk from Saint Seiriol’s Well is the present church. This church was built in the 1120’s and is Well worth a visit. The building is full of intricate carvings and two crosses that originated from the original chapel of Seiriol. But what interests me are three carvings that may have pagan origins. The first is a carving of a bearded man carrying an axe which is thought to represent the pagan blacksmith deity known as Gofannon. Additionally, to this possible pagan deity is a Sheela-Na-Gig. This Sheela is thought to have originated on the outside of the church before being moved indoors. It is rumoured that a further Sheela is possibly located within a dimly lit area of the church. As of 2006, coins were still being offered to these figures in the church [7].

The Healing Power of Saint Seiriol’s Well

In the later 19^th century, the Well was listed on maps as a “Wishing Well” [8]. I have not been able to find much information on the customs and particular healing abilities of the Well. Despite this, I have found a testimonial from a lady in Cardiff who dipped her injured finger in the Well and was pleased to see it healed the next day [9].

In his book, Holy Wells of Wales, Francis Jones notes that the waters were of great repute but fails to share why. It is stated that the Well was often visited in dead of night. An anecdote shared by Reverend Elias Owen tells the story of a man on his deathbed who requested water from the Well. Upon drinking the water, he recovered and lived for a further 40 years [10].

The Cursing Nature of Saint Seiriol’s Well

Just as Wells were a source of healing, they were also utilised as a potential instrument of harm. In Welsh folklore, many Wells and springs were places where both blessings and curses could be invoked. The dual nature of water, both a giver of life but also capable of taking it away, meant that rituals at holy Wells could be used to call down misfortune on enemies or those who had wronged the supplicant.

Anglesey has a known tradition of cursing Wells, with examples such as Ffynnon y Wrach and Ffynnon Elian. According to Welsh folk belief, Wells that overflowed to the south carried cursing abilities. Additionally, Wales has a practice of some Wells having both a curative and baneful use, such as the above mentioned Ffynnon Elian.

In Wales, the practice of using Wells for baneful intents seems to have arisen in the second half of the 18th century and lasted for around 100 years [11].

Cursing rituals typically involved paying the Well guardian to carry out the cure. The intended victims name would then be written on a piece of paper or scratched into a piece of slate and dropped into the Well. Often a pin would also be thrown into the Well along with the victim’s name. On some occasions, an effigy would be created of the target and pins stuck into it while chanting a specific text, this was then placed in the Well. The water was also often consumed or used to wash the curser. Such practices were carried out discreetly, reflecting the underlying belief in the Well’s power to mediate between the human and spiritual realms [12].

Unfortunately, I have been unable to find any written documentation on curses being employed at Saint Seiriol’s Well, although evidence of pins has been found there as offerings. Anecdotally, I have heard from a knowledgeable friend that curses have been performed there in the past.

My Visits to Saint Seiriol’s Well

I have visited the Well many times, often with friends or alone, in fact it is one of my favourite places to visit on Ynys Mon. I find the walled garden a very peaceful and contemplative place that is surrounded by ancient Hawthorn trees. The garden is enclosed by trees and cliffs, and it creates a very special and liminal feeling which lends itself to powerful rituals. The water is crystal clear and often creates an optical illusion where it looks quite shallow but is over 12 inches deep.

Conclusion

Saint Seiriol’s Well in Anglesey is more than a historical curiosity; it is a living reminder of the island’s spiritual heritage. Its ancient origins and its role as a place of healing encapsulate the complex relationship that communities have had with sacred springs throughout history. Today, the Well continues to attract visitors, who come in search of tranquillity, connection, and perhaps a little bit of the mystical power that has long been attributed to its waters. Whether viewed through the lens of pagan reverence or Christian faith, Saint Seiriol’s Well remains a liminal site where the boundaries between the natural and supernatural are as fluid as the waters that flow from its depths. If you visit, please be respectful with your offerings,

Sources

[1] Saint Seiriol’s Well Holy Well or Sacred Spring : The Megalithic Portal and Megalith Map:
[2] Saint Seiriol’s Well – Atlas Obscura
[3] Seiriol – Wikipedia
[4] Saints and Stones: Penmon Priory/Saint Seiriol’s Well
[5] Annwn – Wikipedia
[6] Religious Spring Find from Anglesey Declared Treasure
[7] Penmon – The Sheela Na Gig Project
[8] Saint Seiriol’s Well, Penmon – Well Hopper
[9] Holy Well Healing Powers
[10] Holy Wells and Healing Springs of North Wales: Saint Seiriol’s Well, Penmon | holyandhealingwells
[11] Curses and Blessings at the Holy Wells of Anglesey – bydbach
[12] https://welshhistories.co.uk/welsh-cursing-wells-a-history/#:~:text=It%20is%20told%20that%20an,shouldn’t)%20curse%20people.