The Holy Wells of Conisbrough
Conisbrough with its Norman castle and even older church has another interesting feature, it is the Holy Town well of St Francis, in well gate, Conisbrough.
The legend of the well go something like this; In 1320 -1321 or so two extremely hot and dry years and may be the date of this legend, when after two years of drought the population were so desperate for water and they were dying.
The people consulted an old man said to be very wise and very holy, who went by the name of St Francis. The old gentleman conducted the people to Willow Vale on the low road, where he cut a wand from a willow tree. He then set the people singing psalms and hyms and led them through the Priory ground and church and on into well day, where so far there was no sign of well or water
St Francis then struck is and into the ground and forthwith a copious supply of water appeared and flowed steadily for the next 582 years.
The one was struck into the ground so firmly so deeply that it took root and grew.
So says the tale: but the tree has evidently been dug up or cut down since that day, for there is no trace of `wand´ to be seen now.
For many generations the Holy Town Well of St Francis in Well gate served a very useful purpose supplying the greater part of the town with water up to the laying of the mains in 1903.
The other area in Conisbrough where St Francis the older man is said to have done a similar ritual and found water is at a place called The Holy Well Spring of St Francis and is not the Holy well, as it wrongly says on a plaque in the base of the spring!
For the people who do not know where the holy well spring is, this is situated by the side of the A630 Sheffield Road, near to the 101 steps and Holywell Road.
This holy spring visibly flows steadily on through the lower part of the town today.
The holy spring was once used for its healthy spring waters, supply the one-time Nicholsons Bros Brewery of long ago.
This spring is not the Holy Well and the plaque in the pool base still awaits correction.
Stephen C.Hamilton