Cof Cymru: National Historic Assets of Wales · Wales
Wellhouse with Font in the grounds of Plas Newydd
Llangollen, Denbighshire, Wales
The record
- Designation
- Listed building, Grade II
- Broad class
- Domestic
- Date of designation
- 22 December 1989
- Community
- Llangollen
- Unitary authority
- Denbighshire
- Country
- Wales
- Coordinates
- 52.96557, -3.16422
- Cadw reference
- 1133
Slide toward Today to fade the historical sheet and see the modern map underneath.
David Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford LibrariesDavid Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford LibrariesDavid Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford LibrariesDavid Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford LibrariesLlyfrgell Genedlaethol Cymru – The National Library of Wales
Shown on 5 historical map sheets, the earliest the 1795 "To Sir Watkin Williams-Wynn Bart ... the map of the six counties of North Wales is most humbly inscribed by his obedient humble servant" (Llyfrgell Genedlaethol Cymru – The National Library of Wales).
Cadw's description
Location
At the SE edge of the Glen reached along path beside the Cyflymen brook and beside one of the bridges.
History
Erected in 1782 by Lady Eleanor Butler and Sarah Ponsonby at the beginning of their programme of laying out the grounds at Plas Newydd. Comprises a central well under a Gothic arch and garden seats set in the corner of the return walls forward to either side. The rubble construction with freestone dressings makes use of masonry recovered from Valle Crucis Abbey.
Exterior
The medieval octagonal font from the abbey forms the bowl of the well and a gargoyle delivers the water to it.
This is set within a semicircular grotto-like recess behind a roll moulded pointed arch; carved stop at apex above which is a weathered finial. The wall to either side has sloping parapets and inset inscribed stone tablets. They are inscribed:- 'Drink Gentle Pilgrim from the well thus sacred in this hollow dell. Drink deep yet ere the yearning lip touches the draught it longs to sip. Pray for the souls of those who gave this font that holds the limped wave. This Holy font which lay o'er thrown mid Valle Crucis' shadows brown and which the hand of Holy men have blest but neer can bless again. Drink happy pilgrim daily and pray at morning dawn or twilight grey. Pray for the souls those who gave this font that holds the limped wave. E B 1782 S.P'.
At the corners are inset pieces of medieval pier mouldings, also below the stone seats - remains of clustered and filleted shafts.
Reason for designation
Group value with Plas Newydd and other listed items in the grounds.
Nearby in the register
- Former Coach House in the grounds of Plas NewyddDomesticunder 1 mi
- Dovecote in the grounds of Plas NewyddDomesticunder 1 mi
- Pont Felin BacheTransportunder 1 mi
- Chester High Cross Stem in the grounds of Plas NewyddReligious, Ritual and Funeraryunder 1 mi
Other entries of the same register within about three miles of this one, by straight line.