St. Winifred's Well, in Woolston, is not strictly a part of Maesbury's heritage, but modern visitors to the self-catering cottage will usually take the short stroll down to the canal and the other attractions that Maesbury now has to offer.

Until about 1800 this 'short stroll' would have been impossible as the area between Maesbury and Woolston was an impenetrable marsh, almost certainly not drained until the canal arrive and a road was built connecting the two communities.

The story goes that in 1138, on the way to Shrewsbury Abbey, the monks carrying the remains of St. Winifred rested at Woolston, whereupon a spring arose, which was reputed to be excellent for sore eyes and healing wounds, bruises and broken bones.

We have no way of verifying the story, but the road, now a small lane, running from West Felton to Knockin, through Woolston, follows a ridge of high ground above the marsh. It is quite likely that this was an ancient ridgeway and certainly a route that the monks could have taken on their way from Holywell, near Chester, to Shrewsbury.

You can still visit the well today; it is owned by the Landmark Trust and rented out as a retreat. It was made famous by the Brother Cadfael books of Ellis Peters (and the successful TV series) which mention the well many times as a resting place for monks.