St Winefride’s Shrine

It is believed that St Winefride’s Shrine has been a place of pilgrimage for 1300 years, following the decapitation of a young, devout, girl by a brutal chieftain in the 7th century. Where Winefride’s head came to rest, a well sprung up. On the site now is a visitor complex that includes an architecturally unique late 15th century chapel, which incorporates the well on the lower floor. The well is captured in a star-shaped basic and flows out into a small, modern pool. The water looks as blue as it appears. The shrine has been designated a ‘national shrine’ by the Catholic Church, is one of the ‘Seven Wonders of Wales’ and the town of Holywell has been referred to as ‘The Lourdes of Wales’.