Posted by The Petrifying Well in Knaresborough, North Yorkshire, is a well whose mineral-rich water coats objects in limestone until they are “turned to stone”. It has charged visitors since 1630 and stands next to the cave of the legendary prophetess Mother Shipton.
Knaresborough is a small town in North Yorkshire, England, on the banks of the River Nidd. What makes it special is a well whose water turns everything into stone.
The well that turns everything into stone
This well is thought to be unique of its kind in England and is linked to many local legends. In the past people believed that anyone who touched the water flowing from it would be turned to stone. The fact that one side has a rock that looks like a skull did not help at all.
The belief probably came from seeing twigs, or perhaps some dead animal, turn to stone after coming into contact with the well’s water. In the 17th century it became an attraction and was no longer seen as cursed but as healing. Many people came to the well from all over England to bathe in its miraculous waters.
Since 1630 visitors have paid to see the well, which is considered the oldest fee-charging tourist attraction in England. It stands next to the cave of Mother Shipton, the legendary prophetess who, according to tradition, was born right there around 1488.
The secret of the well
But does the well really turn objects into stone? The answer is yes. The water of this well has a high mineral content, mainly sulphates and carbonates, which calcify on the objects it drips on. The principle is the same as the formation of stalactites in some caves, only much faster. Because of its high mineral content, the water of this well is not drinkable.
Today many people bring objects to the well, tie them to a rope and wait for them to be petrified. The row of completely petrified teddy bears is particularly creepy. The objects are still on view, some completely petrified, others halfway through the process. The oldest objects you can see are a top hat and a lady’s bonnet from the 1800s.
The wishing well
Behind the petrifying well there is a wishing well, where people have been coming for decades to make a wish. Many say their wish came true, so much so that the staff often receive phone calls from all over England from people who cannot come in person but still want to make a wish. They are willing to pay by credit card or cheque for a member of staff to make a wish at the well on their behalf.
Between legend and reality, this is perhaps one of the lesser-known places in the United Kingdom, but it is definitely worth a visit.
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