ST. LEONARD'S WELL-CHAPEL, MOUNT EDGCUMBE. 419 
ST. LEONARD’S WELL-CHAPEL, MOUNT EDGCUMBE. 
BY MR. JAMES HINE, F.R.I1.B.A. 
THE sketches here given illustrate an interesting little well-chapel 
which is known to very few persons, although it is situated close 
to a public thoroughfare, and within the most beautiful and 
(thanks to the noble possessor) the most frequented domain in the 
‘West Countrie.” It is on the left hand side of the road leading 
from Cremyll to Maker, and the water, which flows from a spring, 
supplies a cattle trough built into the hedge. 
Buildings of this kind (usually erected over wells resorted to for 
the healing powers of the waters) are numerous in Cornwall, and 
most of them have been described and illustrated in the county 
works ; but this interesting example has hitherto escaped all public 
notice. As will be seen by the plan, the internal dimensions are 
only about six feet by four and a half feet. The structure had 
an arched stone roof (a part of which remains), with a central 
chamfered rib, resting on moulded corbels. Opposite the door- 
way and over the well is a niche, which probably contained 
an image of the patron saint. In one of the side walls is also 
another small arched recess. The details indicate that the build- 
ing was erected early in the fourteenth century. The proportions 
are very pretty ; and one cannot but admire the taste and care 
bestowed by the medizval masons on even such a lowly little 
structure as this. | 
The plain masonry is of local stone, the moulded work of green 
freestone, probably from St. Germans. Between the freestone 
dressings internally the walls and arch were plastered, and portions 
of this ancient covering remain. 
This was formerly known as St. Leonard’s Well; and it is, I 
believe, the only dedication of any kind to that saint in Cornwall. 
