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St Keynes Well, near Looe, Cornwall, March 1924
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St Keynes Well, near Looe, Cornwall, March 1924
A GWR publicity image of St Keynes Well, near the coastal town of Looe in Cornwall. This photograph was taken in March 1924 some 12 years before the lane where the holy well is sited was widened leading to the well being rebuilt.
The well was first constructed circa 16th century and is tied to the legend of St Keyne; a princess who is said to have bathed in the waters of the spring. To this day recently married couples race each other to be the first to drink from the well; as Robert Southeys poem states " If the husband of this gifted well Should drink before his wife A happy man henceforth is he For he shall be master for life"
STEAM - Museum of the Great Western Railway
Media ID 21118653
© STEAM Museum of the GWR
1920s 1924 Cornwall Looe Spring Holy Well
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases the enchanting St Keynes Well, nestled near the picturesque coastal town of Looe in Cornwall. Taken in March 1924 by GWR as part of their publicity campaign, this image transports us back to a time when the lane leading to the holy well remained untouched and unaltered. Dating back to the 16th century, St Keynes Well holds a significant place in local folklore. Legend has it that Princess St Keyne herself once bathed in these sacred waters. Even today, newlywed couples participate in an age-old tradition where they race each other to be the first one to drink from this mystical wellspring. As immortalized by Robert Southey's poem, "If the husband of this gifted well should drink before his wife, a happy man henceforth is he for he shall be master for life". The belief persists that whoever drinks first will hold sway over their partner throughout their married life. The timeless allure of St Keynes Well continues to captivate visitors who seek solace or perhaps even hope for everlasting love. Though subsequent renovations have altered its appearance since this photograph was taken, its spiritual significance remains intact. Thanks to STEAM Museum's preservation efforts, we can still marvel at historical gems like this photograph and delve into Cornwall's rich cultural heritage.
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