Cof Cymru: National Historic Assets of Wales · Wales
Ffynnon Gynhafal
Llangynhafal, Denbighshire, Wales
The record
- Designation
- Listed building, Grade II
- Broad class
- Religious, Ritual and Funerary
- Date of designation
- 30 July 2002
- Locality
- Llangynhafal
- Community
- Llangynhafal
- Unitary authority
- Denbighshire
- Country
- Wales
- Coordinates
- 53.16452, -3.29812
- Cadw reference
- 26795
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 LibrariesLlyfrgell Genedlaethol Cymru – The National Library of WalesDavid Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford Libraries
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
To south side of Plas Dolben farmhouse, the water issuing at the corner of a field.
History
The bard Gruffydd ap Ieuan ap Llewellyn Fychan (1485-1553) sought a cure at this well, the origins of whose reputation must go back to a time before the Reformation, before his conversion to Protestantism led him to condemn such practices.
The construction of a (C19?) brickwork vault over the basin shows the well remained in use into post-Reformation times, regardless of the change in official attitudes. The well may have been enlarged at this time.
Jones records that in later years the well was reputed to cure warts; they were pricked with a pin which was then thrown into the well. The presence of steps, however, shows that people probably actually entered the basin.
Exterior
A stone-lined basin about 5m by 3m, with a low wall on the downstream side and taller walls on the other three sides carrying an elliptical brickwork vault. The water is about 0.2m deep. It is unclear whether the water was intended to pass over the top of the low wall; there may be an opening at lower level or the water may now simply be issuing from cracks.
Two short flights of steps lead down to the water.
Reason for designation
A very well preserved historic well of curative repute, associated with St Cynhafal's church.
Nearby in the register
- Cruck Barn at Ty-cochAgriculture and Subsistenceunder 1 mi
- Walled Garden at Old RectoryDomesticunder 1 mi
- Old RectoryDomesticunder 1 mi
- Church of St CynhafalReligious, Ritual and Funeraryunder 1 mi
Other entries of the same register within about three miles of this one, by straight line.