Kernow Goth

PENTEWAN Towan Well Gets a Spring Clean

Towan Well is situated 1.5 miles North of Pentewan near the hamlet of Lobbs Shop. It is close to the footpath that leads from Lobbs Shop, through West and East Towan farms, to Kings Wood, approximately 100 yards from the farms. In 1159 there was a Chapel and well at Towan, the latter possibly of Celtic origin. They were kept in good repair by the tenant of the Royal Manor of Tewington of which Towan was the capital. Maps of the 17th Century show a direct route from the hermitage on Roche Rock. to the Menacuddle Well and on to Towan Well. This was then probably part of an Old Pilgrims Way. The building is rectangular, with an arched doorway, is built of Pentewan Stone and is between 6' and 7' high. There is a carved bracket in the rear wall and a recess in the left-hand wall. It is set in a sheltered hollow, surrounded by farmland. The well was re-dedicated on Thursday 10th June 1937 by Joseph Wellington, Bishop of Truro who also gave an address. A declaration by Rosemary Cobbald Sawle, the then landowner, giving the well and the approach to the people of St. Austell, for all time, followed.

Since then interested parties have attempted to keep the well clear of undergrowth and similar. However, when some members of our OCS visited in May 1991 it was found to be very overgrown and in need of attention. It was decided to set up a working party in the Spring to remedy this. On 7^th March 1992, the Spring Clean commenced. Prior arrangements were made with the local farmers. Cars were parked at Lobbs Shop and members walked to the site. Firstly, all undergrowth was cleared, and ivy removed from the stonework of the well. A small stone wall was rebuilt on the left-hand side of it. Measurements were taken to replace a metal gate which was missing from the entrance to the small enclosure. Photographs were taken before and after the work was carried out together with a video of the proceedings The weather was kind and some 10 members and children took part. It proved to be a most worthwhile expedition and members came away with a feeling of satisfaction of a job well done.

This was included in the 'Old Cornwall' journal Vol: XI No' 3 Autumn 1992 by M. M. Prettyman —  Pentewan Recorder