James R asked
> Recent messages on the list make me reflect on some of my longstanding =
> assumptions regarding dedications of wells to saints (and similar =
> names). I've tended not to question them, but is this legitimate as more =
> information has come to light?
I'm completely out of my depth as to the generalities, but you may recall that a few years ago I spent a pleasant time researching two of the local wells menntioned in 'Living Stream'. Local historians agree that the fairly obvious Saint Mary dedication was connected with the old minster church, but sadly for the case pro- or anti- the 'unnoticed shrine' archaeology in the area reveals something like twenty possibles: some of these fit the model and some do not. Granted, these are not all from the sme period, but I'd need a little more convincing that in this single small urban area there was ever more than one 'saint' dedication, and to be fair one must include Houndwell (location also unknown) in the same catchment area, giving a 50-50 split on a sample of two :)
An interesting coda, though; in urban areas, is there evidence that a well could 'move' (be re-drilled) and maintain the same dedication?
regards
Andy A
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