THE WELL

Leading from each house could be seen a well-worn rodeen or footpath which indicated the position of the well. The clear water for human consumption was drawn from here. It was a well-cared-for spot, fenced around and protected from animals and any danger of contamination.

The well always had a special place in rural appreciation. Around it there was a certain indefinable aura; it was a sort of cult which went back to pagan times. The traditional "holy well" is well-known but it should be rememebered that every well from which water was drawn for human consumption was given a unique ethos.

The value placed on wells and the particular mention of them in the Bible is a point worthy of note. While the scarcity of water gave a special primary reason in Israel for this well-honour there was an additonal cult which seems to emanate from early times and which was common to Celt and Hebrew. Is there a suggestion that in early times pure water was regarded as a special gift from the gods who dwelt deep in the earth?

Back