FT275


I was walking along the path towards St Madron’s Well in Cornwall when a family group came in the opposite direction. Despite my passing greeting, none of the family said a word. They went by in silence, averting their gaze. I noticed the young woman in the group holding a tiny, sickly baby close to her body.

On arriving at the ruins of the little chapel at the well site, I found a candle and some votive offerings – flowers and coins. The candle appeared to have been recently snuffed out. It seemed that the family had been taking part in a ritual at this ancient holy place – possibly praying for the health of the fragile-looking infant.