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St Maugholds Well, Chibber Vaghal

Archaeology

Chibbyr Vaghal or 'St Maughold's Well' is a holy well located on a steep east-facing slope overlooking the sea, 375 metres to the northeast of the parish church.


The feature is scooped out of the hillside and is orientated east-west. It is paved with natural rock outcrop at the base and lined with dry stone walling and slabs. It measures 2.4 metres x 0.9 metres with a depth to the west of 1.3 metres. A small basin, 0.6 x 0.4 metres x 0.2 metres deep, is at the west end of the chamber and is apparently filled by water percolating through the rock. An old path approaches the well from the north west.


This is now a dripping well, the water percolating through the crevices in the rock. A natural basin has been formed by the action of water, which constitutes the holy well. On the north side a rock shelf forms a boundary, while on the south is a large slab, set on edge, with three courses of stone built above it. This rectangular recess is widened at the sea-ward end and retained by earthen banks, about 1.2 metres high x 0.9 metres wide, faced with stones. Until quite recently the well was regularly visited on the first Sunday in August when offerings of small coins and crooked pins were made.

Maughold Head

Connections

Book Chapters

  • Parish: Maughold
  • Sheading: Garff
  • Grid Ref: SC4961091910

Sources

  • Isle of Man Heritage Environment Record
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