Gwynedd Archaeological Trust
Regional Historic Environment Record

Ffynnon Gwenfaen Holy Well, Rhoscolyn

Primary Reference Number (PRN) : 2004
Trust : Gwynedd
Community : Rhoscolyn
Unitary authority : Ynys Mon
NGR : SH2594975436
Site Type (preferred type first) : EARLY MEDIEVAL HOLY WELL
Status : Scheduled Monument , Listed Building II

Description :
St. Gwenfaen's well. Pool contained within small rectangular stone structure flanked by a square chamber on the E and an outer secondary pool on the W side. (RCAHMW, 1937)

Well-chamber with stone seats across each corner: there is an outer pool with steps leading down to it. St. Gwenfaen, virgin, is patron saint of Rhoscolyn church, formerly Llanwenfaen. <2>

The custom (of throwing white stones into the well) was practised at Ffynnon Gwynfaen - the well of the white stone - in Anglesey. <3>

Published survey (25") correct. <4>

Medieval well, rectangular stone basin, stone seat. Ancient monument. Good condition, small rectangular stone structure, secondary pool. (RCAHMW, Undated)

Sources :
Glazebrook, F. , 1937 , Transactions of the Anglesey Antiquarian Society and Field Club
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 , 1937 , An Inventory of the Ancient Monuments in Anglesey
Waddington, K. , 2010 , Early Celtic Societies in North Wales
Waddington, K. , 2013 , The Settlements of Northwest Wales: From the Late Bronze Age to the Early Medieval Period
Walker, D. , 1985-1988 , Notes on the Position of Ecclesiastical Sites on Anglesey
Walker, D. , 1985-1988 , Parish Church Index Cards
Jones, F. , 1954 , The Holy Well in Wales , <2>
Rees, A. D. , 1935 , Bulletin of the Board of Celtic Studies , <3>
Ordnance Survey , 1970 , SH27NE 13 , <4>
Lynch, F. , 2009 , Anglesey Past Landscapes of the Coast , <11>

Events :
44557 : Early Celtic Societies in North Wales (year : 2010)
45033 : Cadw Scheduling Enhancement: Holy Wells (year : 2011)

Related records
National Monuments Record Wales NPRN 32172 https://coflein.gov.uk/en/site/32172/

Compiled date : 01-10-1986


The above data are supplied by GAT in partnership with its Local Authorities (Anglesey, Conwy and Gwynedd County Councils, and Snowdonia National Park Authority), © GAT 2025 (and in part © Crown, 2025 - as indicated)
This information is supplied for the purposes of personal interest only and may not be used as part of a commercial project.
March 29, 2025, 2:02 am - HTML file produced from Gwynedd Archaeological Trust Regional HER
Gwynedd Archaeological Trust, Craig Beuno, Garth Road, Bangor, Gwynedd.  LL57 2RT
tel (01248) 352535,  fax (01248) 370925, email her@heneb.co.uk, web www.heneb.co.uk