Hermitage Green

Contents

Introduction

Hermitage Green is a hamlet about a mile north of the village of Winwick.

The hamlet features The Hermit public house on Golborne Road. Sadly, the pub had closed down at the time of my visit in 2012, but it does give some fascinating information on the village history.

Hermitage Green got its name from a hermit who, in former times, had made it his station where he might obtain alms from the many pilgrims who came to say their orisons (prayers) at St Oswald’s Well in return for a ‘pater noster’ (The Lord’s Prayer in Latin).

During 2006 Hermitage Green Lane was used as a location in the Resurrection episode of the ITV series Eleventh Hour.

The Hermit Pub

The now-demolished pub was the centrepiece of the village.

The pub has since been demolished and houses now occupy the site.

St Oswald’s Well

St Oswald’s Well itself is in a field a quarter of a mile north of the pub. It is a holy well dedicated to St Oswald (grid reference SJ607941). It is lined with medieval stonework and is covered by a protective stone slab. It is also a protected monument, grade II listed: 3 February 1966.

It is said that after the death of King Oswald 5th August AD642 that people came to visit the site where Oswald was killed and where the Well had sprung as Oswald fell. People collected soil from the spot where Oswald died and collected water from the well.

It is claimed that both the soil and the water aided miracle cures to the sick and needy. Due to the number of people conveying this pilgrimage a Hermit was tasked with looking after the well site and collecting alms from the pilgrims as they passed by, collecting both soil and water.

The Northern Antiquarian tells us the well was said to have been created through the tradition that the very Earth here possessed healing powers so renowned that people came from many miles to collect and take it for its sacred and medicinal qualities. As late as the year 731 A.D. (says Bede), Saint Oswald’s miraculous well at Winwick was known to restore health to the sick.

Ill fortune is supposed to attend anyone who destroys the surroundings of this ancient fountain of healing. The well is substantially walled inside and two or three deeply worn steps lead to the water.

St Oswald’s Well, Woodhead Farm 20 Apr 2012

St Oswald’s Well, Woodhead Farm 20 Apr 2012

The Warrington Guardian reported on 15 Apr 2010 that on Good Friday a group of people braved the bad weather to make an annual pilgrimage to St Oswald’s Well, at Hermitage Green.

The group of 12 carried a cross to the well, depicting Christ’s last walk before he was crucified.

The monument is lined with medieval stonework and is covered by a stone slab.

Before the pilgrimage, led by the Rev Martin Jones, the group attended a liturgy service at the church, followed by a luncheon in the hall.