|
Located in North East
Wales and set amidst rolling countryside overlooking
the estuary of the River Dee, the centre of this
traditional Welsh market town has changed little
over the last few hundred years, as its rich variety
of fine late Georgian and Victorian buildings will
testify.
Holywell takes its name
from the town's major feature, the world famous St
Winefride's Holy Well; one of the seven wonders of
Wales and has much to offer the visitor.
Legend tells, how in
660AD, an enraged local chieftain severed the head
of the young Winefride after she spurned his
advances, how a spring rose from the ground at the
spot where her head fell and how she was later
restored to life by her Uncle, St Beuno.
The spring became
renowned for its healing powers and even today
pilgrims travel in their thousands from all over the
world to bathe in its waters and worship at its
shrine that has become known as The Lourdes of
Wales.
The imposing ruins of
Basingwerk Abbey, founded in 1132, was for 400 years
home and workplace to the monks of the Cistercian
Order until they were driven out by Henry V111's
Dissolution Act in 1536. During the middle
ages a thriving economic and artistic community
developed around the abbey and it became the home of
many Welsh poets.
The monks were the
first to harness the power of the Holywell Stream,
using its power to grind corn and treat the wool
from their flocks of sheep.
Greenfield Valley Heritage Park is a seventy acre country park with woodlands, reservoirs, ancient monuments and industrial history close to the town of Holywell and St. Winefride's Well. There is a free Visitor Centre, which is also the entrance to a Museum and Farm, has information on woodland walks, educational activities, fishing and bird watching in the area.
Holywell Golf Club located at Brynford in Holywell is an 18 hole challenge to golfers of all abilities. It was established in 1906 with a
reputation for invigorating fresh air with a warmly welcoming club house and excellent
catering facilities.
Return
to Wales cottage map
|