Building record MAB40114 - MEDICINE WELL, MONTROSE

Chalybeate well depicted on the OS 1st edition map.

Chalybeate well depicted on the OS 1st edition map. The 2nd edition OS map shows a fountain at this location. Formerly dedicated to St Mary, possibly by the Dominican priors who founded a Convent in Montrose in the 13th century. In the 18th and 19th century it was thought to be a healing well and was a place of resort for cures. In particular, it was thought to cure scurvy and was frequented by sailors. Its foundation is said to consist of a millstone. The well is a small sandstone structure circa 1.3 m square and circa 1.5 m high, within a small grassed enclosure. The tap or spout is in the form of a lion's head. There is a plaque on the well explaining its history. It reads: 'St Mary's or The Medicine Well. This well was dedicated to St Mary, probably by the Dominican Priors who founded a convent in Montrose in 1261. In the 18th and 19th centuries it was considered by local doctors to be a healing well and was visited by the sick to be cured. This plaque was erected by Mrs A. K. Mcglaughlin and Miss P. G. Low in memory of their father James G. Low, who wrote the history of the well.

WHITE, H, 2012, MONTROSE BASIN SURVEY 1999-2012 (Bibliographic reference). SAB2127.

Record last edited

Jan 23 2025 2:46PM