Cof Cymru: National Historic Assets of Wales · Wales
Ffynnon Sara
Derwen, Denbighshire, Wales
A Grade II listed building in Derwen, Denbighshire, designated on 30 October 2000.
The record
- Designation
- Listed building, Grade II
- Broad class
- Religious, Ritual and Funerary
- Date of designation
- 30 October 2000
- Locality
- Derwen
- Community
- Derwen
- Unitary authority
- Denbighshire
- Country
- Wales
- Coordinates
- 53.05297, -3.39731
- Cadw reference
- 24347
Slide toward Today to fade the historical sheet and see the modern map underneath.
David Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford LibrariesDavid Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford LibrariesLlyfrgell Genedlaethol Cymru – The National Library of WalesDavid Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford LibrariesDavid Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford Libraries
5 historical maps cover this location, the earliest the 1795 map "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).
Historical maps covering this location
- 1795 · To Sir Watkin Williams-Wynn Bart ... the map of the six counties of North Wales is most… (Llyfrgell Genedlaethol Cymru – The National Library of Wales)
- 1830 · V.3:11-15:XV. Britisches Reich. A. Kon: England. b. Frstenthum Wales: Shire: 37-40 (David Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford Libraries)
- 1883 · Watershed map England, Wales 3. (David Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford Libraries)
- 1898 · 120 Corwen (Hills) (David Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford Libraries)
- 1901 · Sheet 9 and 10. (David Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford Libraries)
Cadw's description
Location
1 km north west of Derwen church, in as small roadside enclosure with perimeter wall and gate.
History
Ffynnon Sara or Sarah (also named Fynnon Pyllau Perl by Edward Lhuyd in 1698) is close to the ancient road through North Wales from Bala to Holywell. The water of the well was reputed to be effective in the cure of cancer, stone and rheumatism. Pins were offered. The origin of the name is obscure, Sara possibly having been the name of a custodian living in the adjacent cottage, where crutches were often left. The cottage, which stood at the roadside, was burned down in about 1860. In c1900 Thomas described the well as 'a large square bath of rude masonry, the bottom of which is reached by steps.'
The well was restored by the rector of Derwen, the Rev. J P Cooke, in 1972-3.
Exterior
A shallow stone-lined bath about 4.3 by 2.4 metres, sunk into the ground except at one end where the water overflows over a low sill to the adjacent stream. To one side at the opposite end is a short flight of stone steps from a small kerb-surrounded paved area. The water trickles in at a concealed point, and would be about 0.3 m deep if full to the overflow level. Although restored, the well matches an earlier description.
Reason for designation
A restored well on an ancient pilgrimage route, long credited with healing properties.
Nearby in the register
- BraichAgriculture and Subsistenceunder 1 mi
- St Mary's ChurchReligious, Ritual and Funeraryunder 1 mi
- Sundial in churchyard of St Mary's ChurchReligious, Ritual and Funeraryunder 1 mi
- Cross in churchyard of St Mary's ChurchReligious, Ritual and Funeraryunder 1 mi
Other entries of the same register within about three miles of this one, by straight line.