Granite Trough And Recess In South Wall Of Church Style Garden About 27 Metres South Of Trough Lane

This is a holy well, built into the south-facing garden wall of Church Style Cottage in Bovey Tracey. It dates to the Anglo-Saxon period, with later modifications.

The well’s basin survives as a large water trough, roughly hewn from a single piece of granite. A small cement patch at the front likely replaces a former outlet pipe, and a lower outlet is located in the south-western corner. A gulley cut into the north-western corner of the trough may represent either an overflow or an inlet channel. The trough sits within a recess with jambs of large squared granite blocks, topped by a round red brick arch. The lower part of the left-hand jamb is slightly offset, possibly to facilitate the insertion of an alternative outlet pipe. A small granite spout on the rear wall of the recess originally brought water into the trough. In front of the trough is a pavement of granite sets, edged by a kerb of large granite pieces.

According to legend, the well is associated with a visit from the Virgin Mary. While the early history remains speculative, its location within the Anglo-Saxon settlement of Boffa suggests use from that period. The nearby church, formerly dedicated to St Mary, is now dedicated to St Peter, St Paul and St Thomas.

The well is designated at Grade II for its historical significance as a well, for the survival of medieval fabric and the substantial granite trough, its close association with the nearby Grade I listed church and other listed buildings, and for its contribution to the streetscape.