While the Leech Wells and the stone-walled lane leading to it will remain intact in the new plan, the secret garden, the Leechwell stream, ponds and mature trees will be destroyed.
The Well and lane form a historic and unique area of Totnes, one of utter quiet and calm, hidden just few hundred yards from the Civic Hall. The Well itself has three water spouts called 'Snake', 'Long Crippler' and 'Toad' running into three stone baths. Each of the three had a different use - for the healing of eyes, skin complaints and lameness(?) Today the Well is usually decorated with offerings of flowers, candles and ribbons,
The word 'leech' is of Saxon derivation, combining overlain meanings of 'healer', 'site of healing', 'cure' and 'stream/water'. The Well has been in continuous use as source of healing water since records began, a use which most likely goes back to pre-historic times.
The water from the well runs downhill in a culvert under the lane for thirty yards or so. Then it dips under the wall to the right to enter a peaceful and secluded secret area of great beauty with a stream, ponds, birds and trees. Just before the first bend in the lane as you go down hill from the wells you can hear the water flowing out of the culvert into a pond at this point - the pond is just the other side of the wall.
The secret garden containing the pond was part of the old orchard garden of Leechwell Cottage until some time in the early 1900s. It is this garden, and the Leechwell stream, ponds, trees and wildlife in it which is under threat. While the Leechwells and the walled Walkway leading to it will remain intact in the new plan, this ancient garden, the open Leechwell stream, ponds, wildlife and scores of mature trees will be concreted over and lost for ever.
The Leechwell area, which has been a sacred site of healing for centuries, indeed possibly since pre-historic times, is one of the reasons why Totnes has a national and international reputation as a centre for alternative healing, the healing arts and spiritual practice. A rough estimate suggests that not only are there at least three major alternative Healing Centres in Totnes and the area, acting as a focus for perhaps 60 practitioners, there are also other specialised Centres and groups who run classes workshops and events related to Yoga, Meditation, Dance and Music. Hundreds more individuals may be practising individually in and around the town.
The Leechwells can only be reached on foot. Either walk 50 yards down the footpath that starts just to the left of the Kingsbridge Inn in Leechwell Street or, if starting from Market Square walk under the Civic Hall, across South Street, through Heath's Nursery Car Park, cross over Old Market Way and follow the footpath that starts on the other side of the road.