Gwynedd Archaeological Trust
Regional Historic Environment Record

Ffynnon Beuno Holy Well, Clynnog Fawr

Primary Reference Number (PRN) : 103
Trust : Gwynedd
Community : Clynnog
Unitary authority : Gwynedd
NGR : SH4132249453
Site Type (preferred type first) : MEDIEVAL HOLY WELL
Status : Scheduled Monument , Listed Building II*

Description :
Ffynnan Feuno on the outskirts of Clynnog on SE side of road to Llanaelhaern. Reputation for healing as late as C18 when patients were dipped into the well and laid overnight on rushes on tomb in Capel Beuno (PRN 85). The well is a stone basin enclosed on three sides by a step. There were stone benches on NE and SW sides of enclosure. Coping and other details are C18. Original structure is probably contemporary with the rebuilding of the parish church late C15. (RCAHMW, 1960)

200 yards from the church, surrounded by a well 6ft high with seats and steps leading to well Ffynnon Beuno. <2>

Further references. <3> <4> <10> Bingley records a cromlech 'a short distance away. <5> Superstitions practices recorded. <6> Mention of cheifors offering. <7> Description and plan of well. <8> Notice in Camden Brit. <9>

The commissioners give the dedication of nearby parish church as St. Beuno as does OS 6. Baring, Gould and fisher and Jones call the well Ffynnon Beuno. There is a name on the gate post at well entrance. <11>

Also listed Grade II

Medieval holy well with reputation for healing - a stone basin with enclosing wall and stone benches. Modern iron gate. <14>

Possibly 18th century surrounding walls and steps forming sides of a rectangular well. (Hopewell, 1998)

This was being re-pointed and generally improved in February 2001. (Kenney, 2001)

Sources :
Hopewell, D. , 1998 , Archaeological Assessment of the A499 Llanwnda - Abersoch Improvement, Aberdesach - Llanaelhaearn ( © GAT)
Kenney, J. , 2001 , Archaeological Assessment of the A499 Llanwnda - Abersoch Improvement, Aberdesach - Llanaelhaearn ( © GAT)
Parry, I., Smith, G., and Hopewell, D. , 2011 , Cadw Scheduling Enhancement: Holy Wells ( © GAT)
The Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales , RC Buildings Records
The Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales , 1960 , An Inventory of the Ancient Monuments in Caernarvonshire Volume II: Central
Unamed Author , 1894 , No. 44 Cambrian Archaeological Association.Supplement: “Annual Meeting at Carnarvon”
Jones, F. , 1954 , The Holy Wells of Wales , <2>
Pennant, J. , 1883 , Tours in Wales , <3>
, 1895 , Archaeologia Cambrensis , <4>
Bingley, W. , 1810 , North Wales , <5>
, 1875 , Bygones : Dec 29 , <6>
Leland, J. , Collectanea , <7>
Camden, W. , 1789 , Brittania , <9>
Baring-Gould, S. & Fisher, J. , 1907 , Lives of The British Saints , <10>
Ordnance Survey , 1972 , SH44NW 2 , <11>
Hughes, H. & North, H. , 1924 , Old Churches of Snowdonia , <8>

Events :
40847 : Cn 091 Fmw Site Visit (year : 1986)
40848 : Cn 091 Fmw Site Visit (year : 1993)
40444 : Archaeological Assessment of the A499 Llanwnda - Abersoch Improvement, Aberdesach - Llanaelhaearn (year : 1998)
40445 : Archaeological Assessment of the A499 Llanwnda - Abersoch Improvement, Aberdesach - Llanaelhaearn (year : 2001)
45033 : Cadw Scheduling Enhancement: Holy Wells (year : 2011)

Related records
National Monuments Record Wales NPRN 32193 https://coflein.gov.uk/en/site/32193/

Compiled date : 10-06-1987


Images :



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May 3, 2025, 2:04 pm - HTML file produced from Gwynedd Archaeological Trust Regional HER
Gwynedd Archaeological Trust, Craig Beuno, Garth Road, Bangor, Gwynedd.  LL57 2RT
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