The Colwell of Southampton - on the Old Way pilgrimage…

The Old Way from Southampton to Canterbury begins wherever you start it. But if you are following ‘the route’ as defined by the Gough
Map of 1360, you might begin at Southampton, the city by the sea. And perhaps the best spot in all the town is the long hidden holy well called the Colwell, one of Britain’s oldest municipally owned water supplies, built by the Franciscans and given to the people of Southampton.
Learn more at www.wayfaringbritain.com
Songs of the Way
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Also: Singing for our Supper
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[@andygoodtube8421]

Wow!…I never knew of this green space in the centre of the city let alone the history of this water source…thank you!
Like you said, Southampton does not do enough to promote itself.

[@Icanbacktrailers]

That was fascinating. Such a great secret piece of history. Thanks

[@mrfairycake4333]

Thanks

[@WillWalking]

any time!

[@davidjuson5608]

It's nice to see the Conduit Head getting some publicity. It certainly is tucked out of sight and, many might say, harm's way.
As to it being holy? Other than being constructed by monks, I have my doubts. I'm no expert, but I would have said that it was probably the most practical place from which to tap fresh, running water for the Franciscan monastery in the town. II cannot recall it being associated with any Saints. Not, unless you really want to stretch a point, even the footballing ones.
I've no idea how involved with the pilgrims heading for Canterbury the monetary was. It was established in the 13th century, immediately north of God's House, which had been set up to deal with those following Henry II's penitential route to Canterbury soon after Thomas Becket's murder in 1170.
Incidentally, accessing Coldwell via the Rollsbrook Greenway (I've never heard it called Polygon Wood) fairly recently the most conspicuous rubbish I sighted was spent fire extinguishers.

[@WillWalking]

Thanks for your comment! I’m of the opinion that pre-taps, safe clean water was known as a ‘holy’ resource, not necessarily due to saintly associations (which are typically dedications rather than historical links), but because water has always been humanity’s go-to holy place. Ever since we were a nomadic species, for all 2 million years, these locations were sought-after and pilgrimaged to, because without such places, where health-giving clean water arises as a gift, no human life or culture would thrive for long. The word ‘holy’ arises from the same etymological root as ‘healthy’ and ‘wholesome’, and I tend to use the word in this way. Religious affiliations are attached afterward, but the water sources have been known to be holy forever.
I appreciate this is not a widely accepted historical viewpoint - those nomadic humans of a million years ago didn’t leave written evidence, and modern history seems to translate that as evidence of something not happening. But this is an erroneous assumption, imo. A lack of evidence is not evidence of a lack.
Anyway, thank you again for your detailed comment, it is very welcome, and I’m glad to hear news from a well-informed local person! I do wish the council would make something more of Southampton’s flowing heritage! There are so many examples of restored beautiful wells (holy or otherwise - though we could make it holy today if we chose, it doesn’t need to be an ancient designation!). It feels like Soton is missing the opportunity with this well. Pretty much every other one in the city is buried now.
Anyroad, good day to you!

[@davidjuson5608]

@@WillWalking Thank you for responding.
Your reasoning for reckoning Colwell Spring holy makes good etymological sense.
And, after all, all you need for holy water is H2O and a bloke in holy orders.
I was thinking more in terms of your actual St Mary manifesting herself in front of illiterate peasant girls.
You noted that Southampton doesn't make enough of its "flowing heritage". True. It was after all a thriving spa resort. I am now wondering if the chalybeate well can be retapped for profit?
You'll probably know the story of Houndwell. Sited on what is now Houndwell Park its water was believed efficacious for the eyes. It was destroyed during the construction of a stretch of canal in close proximity.
There's no reclaiming that.
Meanwhile: The Itchen and Test estuaries are too polluted by untreated effluent to swim in safely.
All the very best for your further travels and accounts.