St. Keyne Holy Well
OS Grid ref:- SX 248603
St. Keyne Holy Well is situated in a mossy dell near St Keyne's Church. in the village of St. Keyne, near Liskeard.
The granite well building has a gabled roof, and was originally constructed in the sixteenth century, but rebuilt in the 1930s when the lane was widened.
St Keyne was a late fifth century holy woman. According to the Welsh version of the legend she was one of the many daughters of King Broccan.
The waters of the well are said to give the upper hand to whichever of two newlyweds first drinks of them.A legend concerning the well is mentioned in a poem by the poet Robert Southey:-
"If the husband of this gifted well should drink before his wife A happy man henceforth is he For he shall be master for life".
A plaque next to the well describes the spell which Saint Keyne cast upon the water of the well. The plaque reads: "The legend of Saint Keyne Well. Saint Keyne was a princess who lived about 600 AD. She laid on the waters of this well a spell thus described by Carew in 1602 AD-'The quality that man or wife whom chance or choice attains first of this sacred spring to drink thereby the mastery gains.'
Directions
En route from Liskeard to Duloe turn off at the sharp bend in St Keyne village (signposted to St Keyne's Well). After around a mile downhill the well is situated on the left. Steps lead into well area from the lane, and from the road.