The sacred grove consists of many yew trees which used to be venerated by the Celtic people, these in turn surround a well which is fed by a water source and is known as Gawtons well. The name Gawtons well derived its name from the hermit named Gawton who was said to have been cured of the plague at this spot, presumably from either bathing or drinking from its waters.
Gawtons Well. Photo by Gary Tacagni.
There is also evidence of a building having stood at one time at this spot, perhaps it was a hermitage occupied by Monks attracted to the curative waters of its sacred well. It is well worth a visit to this special spot as there is still an air of tranquility which pervades this unusual place.
Another strange feature which can be found in Knypersley park is the Gawton stone which can be found close to Gawtons well. It is described as a Dolmen or Megalithic stone monument and would have been known as a Druids Cromlech in Victorian times. This Dolmen is known as the Gawton Stone and in the past has been used as a burial chamber, and like the Bawdstone on the rocky escarpment known as the Roaches it is said to have the power to heal. It is formed by three upright stones with a huge stone resting upon these. During the seventeenth century according to local tradition a man from Knypersley hall by the name of Gawton was suffering from the plague and was cured by bathing in the nearby healing waters of Gawtons well, before that he had been living as a hermit beneath this stone and that is how it acquired its name.
The Gawton stone. Photo by Gary Tacagni.
