St Govor's Well
Sightseeing attraction | London | England | United Kingdom
Historical attractions in London
St. Govor's Well is a fascinating and rather unusual sight in London, located in the vast Kensington Gardens, one of the city's royal parks. This historic fountain marks the location of an ancient spring, officially named "St. Govor's Well" in 1856 by the then First Commissioner of Works, later known as Lord Llanover. The fountain is not only a testament to the Victorian era, but also a connection to a much older history dating back to the 6th century. It is a place that surprises visitors with its modest appearance and deep historical significance.
Hidden gems Kensington Gardens
At first glance, the fountain's appearance is unassuming - from a distance, it could be mistaken for a piece of twisted concrete. However, upon closer inspection, it reveals itself to be a functioning drinking fountain resting on a small pedestal. An inscription on the fountain tells its story: "This drinking fountain marks the location of an ancient spring, which in 1856 was named St. Govor's Well by the First Commissioner of Works, later Lord Llanover. The holy Govor, a hermit of the sixth century, was the patron saint of a church in Llanover, which had eight wells in its churchyard." These words connect the site to an early Christian figure from Wales and give it a spiritual dimension beyond its physical presence.
St Govor’s Well drinking fountain history
The holy Govor himself is a mysterious figure. As a hermit of the 6th century, he is said to have lived in West Wales, where he was venerated as the patron saint of a church known for its numerous springs. Lord Llanover, whose estates encompassed this region, chose to name the spring in Kensington Gardens after this saint, possibly as a tribute to his Welsh roots. In the Victorian era, it was not uncommon for such historical or religious references to be used to enhance public projects - in this case, a drinking water source that benefited the population. Shortly after its naming, an elderly woman is said to have started selling water from the spring, indicating the value placed on springs for their health benefits at the time.
Spiritual significance of holy wells
However, the history of the fountain extends further back than its official naming in the 19th century. It is believed that the spring existed long before it was converted into a drinking fountain and may have played a role even in pre-Christian times. Holy springs were often places of worship in Britain, later adopted by the church and associated with Christian saints. This continuity makes St. Govor's Well a place that connects different epochs of British history - from ancient spiritual traditions to Christianization and the urban development of London.
J.M. Barrie Peter Pan reference
Over time, the fountain has been modernized. In the Edwardian era, at the beginning of the 20th century, there were still steps leading to a lower drinking spot, as seen in historical photos. The current version is simpler, made of concrete and of a more functional nature, yet it still retains its historical character. The surroundings in Kensington Gardens - with its vast green spaces, ancient trees, and proximity to other attractions such as Kensington Palace - provide an idyllic setting that places the fountain in a peaceful context. It is situated off the main paths, making it a hidden gem often only discovered by observant walkers.
St. Govor's Well is also of literary significance. The writer J.M. Barrie, known as the author of "Peter Pan," mentioned the fountain in his works and integrated it into the magical world of Kensington Gardens immortalized in his stories. This connection adds an additional layer of fascination to the place, especially for fans of classic children's literature who find a real anchor point for Barrie's imagination here.
