Cranfield Church I
The ruins of Cranfield Church, a 13th-century Irish church which lies on the northern shore of Lough Neagh at Churchtown Point, Cranfield, County Antrim, carries a tradition of belief Olcan blessed his well with healing properties. Olcán was reputedly buried at Cranfield Church in earth brought from Rome.
Within the well are gypsum crystals, known locally as ‘amber pebbles’, which were also thought to have healing properties. It was believed that they protected women in childbirth; fishermen from drowning; and homes from fire and burglary. Emigrants leaving for America in the 19th century thought that swallowing pebbles would provide them with a safe passage across the Atlantic Ocean. It was widely held that the well would overflow on 29 June and the amber pebbles would rise to the surface on that day.
Despite the best efforts of the Church, the healing tradition of the well has carried on to present times. Afflicted areas of the body are bathed with a rag dipped in the well, followed by prayers and finally the rag is tied to one of the trees the belief being that as the rag disintegrates so the affliction will disappear. Today the trees are full of ribbons, pieces of string, and strips of material showing that some traditions never die.
Within the well are gypsum crystals, known locally as ‘amber pebbles’, which were also thought to have healing properties. It was believed that they protected women in childbirth; fishermen from drowning; and homes from fire and burglary. Emigrants leaving for America in the 19th century thought that swallowing pebbles would provide them with a safe passage across the Atlantic Ocean. It was widely held that the well would overflow on 29 June and the amber pebbles would rise to the surface on that day.
Despite the best efforts of the Church, the healing tradition of the well has carried on to present times. Afflicted areas of the body are bathed with a rag dipped in the well, followed by prayers and finally the rag is tied to one of the trees the belief being that as the rag disintegrates so the affliction will disappear. Today the trees are full of ribbons, pieces of string, and strips of material showing that some traditions never die.
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Also in: Northern Ireland
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