The wishing stone at Holywell

Under St Winifred’s Day Hone gave Pennant’s account of her well at Holywell. Two feet under the water near the steps of the bathing well lay a large stone called the wishing stone, which the faithful kissed, believing their wish would be granted if it was made with full devotion. A little spring outside the great well was once famous for weak eyes: the patient offered the nymph a crooked pin and said a charm, but the charm was forgotten. Pilgrims also went round the well or through the arch a set number of times.