Save Our Space - Open Meeting - History

1. Introduction

There is a great deal that could and should be said about the history and archaeology of the Southern Area site. But since we have so little time tonight I am going focus specifically on THE LEECHWELL

The ancient Leech Well spring and the stone walled walkway (the major part of Leechwell Lane) leading to it lie at the heart of the Southern Area site. They are also widely known as the Leper Well and the Leper Walk.

The Leechwell is one of the treasured sites of Totnes. Most residents know something of the history of the Leechwells although in reality there are few hard facts to draw upon.

The word leech is of Old English derivation, meaning "art of healing" or "healer ", suggesting that the spring has been seen as a source of healing water since at least 600 A.D. It is still venerated and visited for this reason today.

The stone walls of the well and walkway were probably built in mediaeval times. We do not know who built them or why, but it would have been a large and costly undertaking. In 1450 two wardens were appointed to be in charge of the well, a tradition which has continued until recent years.

The well has three water spouts feeding three stone baths. These spouts are commonly known as "Toad" "Long Crippler" and "Snake". The water from each is said to have different healing qualities.

(Wells with three spouts appear to be rare. In Cornwall they are known as Triple Goddess Wells. They are also called Trinity Wells)

After filling the baths, the water disappears into a stone culvert running under the path leading down from the Well. Fifty yards or so further on the culvert runs under the wall of the lane and emerges from a pipe to run into a pond and stream in the Bungalow "secret" Garden, a place of untouched beauty and peace, which is probably as old as the Walk and the Leech Well itself. There are many trees in the garden and a huge variety of birds and wild life including bats.This is an ancient garden which is directly under threat. The plan is to build twenty-two houses and parking spaces here. This will destroy the unique sense of place which permeates the whole Leechwell area.

THE WALKWAY

The high stone walled walkway originally formed a continuous link between the town centre and the well. The massive effort and cost of building these walls at the time (probably 13-1400 A.D.) illustrates the significance of the well to the community.

THE LEPER HOSPITAL

Beyond the well, the Walkway led to the old Leper Hospital and chapel on Maudlin road. Today the walk is commonly called "the Leper Walk" because some people think it was the route used by lepers to reach the well and the church. Others dispute this.

The Leper Hospital and chapel where built in about 1300 A.D. The word leper, or "lazar" was a term used for people with a variety of illnesses including leprosy. The Hospital was built and run by the monks from the Priory.

2. The new 2003 Southern Area Plan and some implications for the Leechwell

So what does the 2003 Southern Area Plan have in store for this ancient and very special site? The prospects don’t look good.

First, we should remember that while the Well is Listed, the Bungalow garden, the Leechwell stream and ponds and the stone Walkway to the Well are totally unprotected. Indeed, SHDC destroyed part of the Walk in the early 1980s to build a road.

Second, it is worth noting that SHDC did NOT do archaeological/ historical or hydrological surveys of the site before submitting their outline plan. They say they will do these surveys before the land is sold to a developer.

Third, possibly because there has not been prior public consultation, SHDC do not appear to understand the history of the Leechwell, and the depth of public concern about what happens it.

Now a few specific comments on the way in which the SA plan has dealt with the Leechwell. (We could say more.)

1. housing will overshadow or overlook almost all of the Walkway. This is most obvious at the northern end where houses are to built on top of the multi-story car park, but is likely also to be the case for housing in the Bungalow Garden. The Walkway will no longer be a quiet and secluded place.
2. one side of the proposed multi-story car park will impinge upon a major section of the stone wall of the Walk. This must involve underpinning, rebuilding and possibly destroying the fabric of the old walls. The water table here on over the whole site may be affected.
3. the plan does nothing to redress the damage done to the Walkway by SHDC in the 1980s. In fact it will make matters worse because the multi-story will significantly increase traffic levels at the point of entry to the Walk.
4. proposed culverting of the Leechwell stream and the filling in of the ponds in the Bungalow garden will destroy an integral aspect of the archaeology of the ancient Leechwell site - to say nothing of its environmental implications.

3. Summary

• The Leech Well is an ancient site, which has been in constant use for hundreds of years.
• It has played and still plays a significant role in the national and international reputation of Totnes as a historic centre and as a focus for alternative and healing arts.
• Important aspects of the social, economic and historic heritage of Totnes will be lost if the plan is implemented.
• Less tangible but equally important, the powerful sense of place, the unique atmosphere of quiet reflection that the Leechwell generates are in jeopardy

And Photos

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