Powdonnet

The Pool of Donat

(much better seen large)

We did not want to go far on a sunny Sunday, there are so many people about, but I thought I would like to celebrate (Inter) National Holy Wells Day with freespiral, so we would go to the closest Well to home - Powdonnet in Morland. 

I had been before, but it was four years ago and was actually the first Holy Well I visited. That visit was in January, so it all looked a bit different to what it looked like today. The path through the undergrowth and past the standing stone (not ancient) was overgrown and taking photos was difficult. But here it is - water constantly bubbles up in the dark, but clear, well pool to the right of the tree and flows away in the stream to the left of the tree. The picture in extras shows this happening. It’s a beautiful place. 

Four years ago SpotsOfTime also visited the Well around the same time and her photo shows the stream flowing away and meeting another stream. Today I was standing just by the standing stone to take my picture. No way could you take her photo at this time of year. 

It is said that St Donatus came from Ireland, settled at Morland and built a cell by the stream to live out his days in solitude and prayer. However, he went on a pilgrimage to Italy, was immediately made bishop and stayed there until his death in 876. There are other legends surrounding Powdonnet, as there would be.