St. Ann's Well

St. Ann's Well, nestled on the verdant slopes of the Malvern Hills above Great Malvern, is a charming and historically rich destination that beckons visitors with its serene beauty and fascinating past. This enchanting site, located along a popular path leading up to the Worcestershire Beacon, provides a delightful blend of natural splendor and historical intrigue. As you embark on your journey to St. Ann's Well, you are not just exploring a scenic spot but also stepping into a narrative that spans centuries.

The Origins and Legend of St. Ann's Well

The well is named after Saint Anne, the maternal grandmother of Christ and the patron saint of many wells. However, some historians suggest that the well might have originally been dedicated to Anu, a Celtic water goddess. The name St. Ann's Well is thought to signify a well dedicated to the sun, reflecting ancient reverence for natural springs.

One of the most captivating legends associated with St. Ann's Well is that of St. Werstan. According to local lore, St. Werstan was a monk from the Saxon monastery of Deerhurst in Gloucestershire, which was destroyed by Viking invaders. Escaping the destruction, Werstan found refuge in the Malvern Hills and established a hermitage near the site of St. Ann's Well. His martyrdom, as the legend goes, marked the beginning of the settlement in Great Malvern. Although this tale may blend myth and history, it adds a layer of mystique to the well's already rich narrative.

Healing Waters of St. Ann's Well

The purity of Malvern spring water has been celebrated since medieval times, with St. Ann's Well being particularly renowned for its curative properties. In the 15th century, the well was famous for its ability to heal various ailments, a reputation immortalized in a song attributed to the Rev. Edmund Rea, who became Vicar of Great Malvern in 1612. The song praises the well's water passing still that always bringeth great comfort to all them that are diseased men and makes them well again.

In 1745, Dr. John Wall, a Worcestershire physician, analyzed the water and confirmed its remarkable purity. He published his findings in Experiments and Observations on the Malvern Waters in 1757, which included accounts of miraculous cures. Dr. Wall's work helped to promote the well's reputation and raised funds for improvements to the well's primitive structure.

The Well House and Its Evolution

The Well House, which dates back to 1813, was built to provide a more permanent structure for the well. Owned by Lady Emily Foley, the Well House granted public access to the spring water, becoming a popular destination for wealthy invalids seeking the benefits of the Water Cure. In 1841, an unusual octagonal extension was added, enhancing the building's distinctive character.

In the 1850s, the now-defunct Burrows company began bottling and selling Malvern Water from St. Ann's Well, further cementing its reputation. The water was bottled at the Bottling Works Spring in Robson Ward's yard on Belle Vue Terrace in Great Malvern until the 1950s.

In 1892, Lady Foley donated a Sicilian marble spout and basin to the well. The spout, shaped like a dolphin's head, delivers the crystal-clear water into a shell-shaped basin. Above the spout, a plaque reads:

Drink of this crystal fountain
And praise the loving Lord
Who from the rocky mountain
This living stream out-poured
Fit emblem of Holy Fount
That flows from God's eternal mount
This marble tablet was placed at St Ann's Well by the Rt Hon Lady Emily Foley of the Manor of Gt Malvern Oct 1892.

Notable Visitors and Local Legends

St. Ann's Well has welcomed numerous notable visitors over the years. In September 1842, Queen Adelaide visited the well, adding a royal touch to its storied history. Another local legend involves a donkey named Old Moses, who carried a young Princess Victoria to St. Ann's Well, where she officially opened a new path from Nob's Delight to Foley Walk.

From the 1880s to the early 20th century, a blind musician named George Pullen entertained visitors with his harmonium and dulcitone. Pullen, who played almost every day for 50 years, could recognize the footsteps of regular visitors and would play their favorite tunes as they approached.

Modern-Day St. Ann's Well

Today, the Well House at St. Ann's Well is not just a historical monument but also a charming café, providing a perfect spot for visitors to relax and enjoy the tranquil surroundings. The gardens, restored in 2005 by the Malvern Spa Association, the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and the Malvern Hills Conservators, offer a picturesque retreat for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.

Despite facing a controversial dispute over its management in 2009, St. Ann's Well café continues to serve visitors, thanks to the dedication of the local community and the efforts to preserve this cherished landmark. The well remains a symbol of the enduring appeal of Malvern's natural beauty and historical significance.

Whether you are drawn by the legends, the healing waters, or the serene landscape, a visit to St. Ann's Well is a journey into the heart of Great Malvern's rich heritage. It is a place where history and nature intertwine, offering a unique and memorable experience for all who venture to its welcoming embrace.