The legend goes something like this: 1320-1321 saw two extremely hot and dry years and may be the date of this legend, when after two years of drought the population were so desperate for water and they were dying.

The people consulted an old man said to be very wise and very holy, who went by the name of St Francis. The old gentleman conducted the people to Willow Vale on the Low Road, where he cut a wand from a willow tree. He then set the people singing psalms and hymns and led them through the priory grounds and churchyard and on into Wellgate, where so far there was no sign of any well or water.

St Francis then struck his wand into the ground and forthwith a copious supply of water appeared and flowed steadily for the next 582 years. The wand was struck into the ground so firmly and so deeply that it took root and grew.

So says the tale: but the tree has evidently been dug up or cut down since that day, for there is no trace of the 'wand' to be seen now. For many generations the Holy Town Well of St Francis in Wellgate served a very useful purpose, supplying the greater part of the town with water up to the laying of the mains in 1903.

While I was in your historic town of Conisbrough, I decided to visit the other area where St Francis the holy man was said to have done a similar ritual and found water. This place is called the Holy Well Spring of St Francis - and is not the Holy Well, as it says on a plaque in the base of the spring! For the people who do not know where the holy well spring is, this is situated by the side of the A630 Sheffield Road, near to the 101 Steps and Holy Well Road. This holy spring visibly flows steadily on through the lower part of the town today.

The holy spring was once used for its healthy spring waters, supplying the one-time Nicholsons Brothers Brewery of long ago. This spring is not the Holy Well, and the plaque in the pool base of the spring should be corrected.

I am sorry if this letter has upset anyone but this was not my intention - my true intention is only to stick to the facts of the old written legend and not to offend.

I do hope to visit the English Heritage Castle at Conisbrough again soon.

Clifford Bayes
Birmingham