St Edward'S Well

St. Edward's Well is a grotto that serves as a backdrop to the well, dating from around 1800. It is constructed from cyclopean limestone and was created as part of a pleasure garden known as The Retreat, which was developed around the same time to promote Stow as a resort destination. The spring, referred to as both Holy Well and St. Edward's Well in 1766, was believed to be beneficial for weak eyes. Nearby, there were two cottages intended for selling refreshments; one was Gothic in style while the other was classical, featuring stuccoed walls, a Venetian window, and a pedimented gable end. Both cottages are now in ruins. Below the grotto, there was a lake with curving retaining walls and footbridges, although the cottages and retaining walls are not considered of listable quality. The Retreat was part of the glebe.