Walk in Bristol
with Richie
St Anne's
Woods and Well
5 Nearest Attraction
​St Anne's Woods are in the valley of the Brislington Brook at its northern end, just before it joins the River Avon.
At the south end the valley has steeply wooded sides; then as the Brook flows north towards the Avon, the valley opens out into some areas of meadow.
It is here that the ancient St Anne's Well can be found.
1. The parish church of St Annes
(0,6 mile - 14 min walking)
(0,7 mile - 13 min walking)
3. Netham Park
(0,9 mile - 18 min walking)
4. Eastwood Farm Nature Reserve
(0,9 mile - 19 min walking)
(1,1 mile - 23 min walking)
​
Click to the postcode to check the map .
Richie's opinion :
" I like the historical and mystical places, so.. it was a must visit place for me.
St Anne Wood is a bit like a Nature Reserve, a wooden area with dunes and streams - only smaller in size, but the Nightingale Valley is nearby to it, which I didn't made an own page, here I recommend it to the nature lovers.
St Anne’s wood is fenced around, so I had a hard time finding the entrance, though it’s not hard to find.
St Annes well was a bit of a disappointment to me because of its condition, it needs a little renovation and a couple of descriptions of the place's mystical or historical detailss (after my visit it may have changed) was nevertheless worth a visit. ;)"
About St Anne's Woods and Well
St Anne's Woods are in the valley of the Brislington Brook at its northern end, just before it joins the River Avon.
St Anne’s Wood is a small but beautiful hidden woodland in Brislington.
An oasis from the urban surroundings, you might not know it was there unless you go looking for it!
At the south end the valley has steeply wooded sides; then as the Brook flows north towards the Avon, the valley opens out into some areas of meadow.
It is here that the ancient St Anne's Well can be found.
Parking
Park on Newbridge Road or at St Anne’s Park car park (BS4 4DS), where there are a few entrances on the road opposite the park.
History
​
St Anne in the Wood was well known, perhaps sacred, in the Middle Ages.
The spot is still popular today – and is reputed to be haunted.
The site of the shrine and well is in a bend of the River Avon, and until 1957 travellers from north of the river crossed over by ferry.
In the late 15th century, the scene must have been different.
St Anne was the patroness of sailors, ports and harbours, which explains the presence in the chapel of 32 model ships and boats used for receiving offerings in the 15th century.
Four hundred years ago, King Henry VII visited the site on pilgrimage in 1486, shortly after winning the Wars of the Roses, and it is ironic that it was his son, Henry VIII, who was responsible for the dissolution of the monasteries, which resulted in the chapel closing.
“The Chapel, dating from about 1392 was destroyed with Keynsham Abbey, to which it belonged, in 1539 by Henry VIII.”
The chapel may have been built by the Barons de la Warr, who held the nearby manor of Brislington from the 12th to the 16th century.
William Worcester described the chapel as:
“58ft by 80ft high, with colossal square candles, renewed yearly at the Pentecost, that touched the roof nearly at the roof and cost £ 5 each. Thirteen others burnt before the image of St Anne. There were also 32 models of ships and boats, 20 shillings each, for receiving and containing offerings and sometimes to burn incense in .”
The chapel was controlled by a custodian or warden.
From 1635-1800 the chapel was used as a pottery works when it was demolished.
In 1889 action was brought about concerning a public right of way through the wood and passing the well.
This footpath had been used for centuries for passing to St Anne’s Ferry, and to make pilgrimage to well and chapel.
This also resulted in the woods containing the well being given to Bristol Corporation to allow continued access to the site. Winchester (1986) in St Anne’s, Bristol: A History,, notes that:
“in front were five large stepping stones, said to be Holy Stones.
The Stones were very old and worn, with deep impressions made by hundreds of feet.
They were removed in 1924 but replaced…
In 1926, the City of Bristol had the well covered with a picturesque canopy and surrounded by a protective wall…
Few people lived in the area, but I do not think that any child passed the well without standing on the stepping stones and stirring the waters with a twig, hoping to find Queen Anne’s ring!”
Another account records that the Cordwainers:
“In May, 1939, members of the Guild with their friends and distinguished visitors made a pilgrimage to the “Holy Well” in St Anne’s Wood.
They were led by the sheriff of Bristol, Colonel Le
The circular brick rounded well, was restored early this century.
A suitable inscription reads:
“Wishing well, St Anne’s Well. This Holy Well was associated with the chapel of St Anne, which stood about 300yards to the NW; throughout the Middle Ages , pilgrims were made here, and especially by the sailors of Bristol, Henry VII. Visited this spot in state in 1485, and hither his Queen came in 1502.”
​