SAINT HELEN'S WELL ? DRAUGHTON near Skipton

Os grid reference SE 0273 5326. St Helen's Well ? at Draughton near Skipton. The well/spring can be found in a field close to the A59 Skipton to Bolton Bridge road at Draughton some 2 miles due east of Skipton. A footpath at the roadside just before the Embsay to Bolton Abbey railway line goes past the water trough.

This large stone trough, almost at ground level, is shaped like a large tank / basin and is often about half full of water. The actual spring issues from the nearby bank and flows along a pipe to the trough. On the other end an opening allowing for overflowing water. Today, the well is largerly forgotten, but despite that it is in a resonable state of repair. It appears to have been used as a horse or cattle trough.

It is probably Medieval in date, but the possible dedication to St Helen could make it earlier in date. The well is mentioned by Mr Guy Ragland Philips of Brigantia (1976). The original dedication to the saint in still uncertain, however.

As you can see from the above photo: the well is in a sad condition. The stone tank is full of stagnant water and the surrounding area is overgrown with weeds and saturated with muddy water. The pipe that supplied the tank from the nearby bank is gone, but I think water must still manage to get into it from beneath. Also the A59 road which runs past the site is dangerous, with vehicles coming on at quite a pace. The once saving grace, perhaps, being that there is a lay by on the opposite side of the road. But its getting across the road that is the problem.

Holy Well - Holywell beck - Holywell bridge - Holywell Halt
I wonder if there's a clue here ?

Yes, indeed. It can't really be missed. It's just sad that it has been forgotten.