A BERE FERRERS man has followed the footsteps of pilgrims from yesteryear in rediscovering sacred sites in Devon.
Terry Faull recorded 50 ancient holy wells in Tarka Country in a project funded by the Tarka Country Millennium Awards.
Mr Faull said: ?It has been amazing to visit places which still have a special atmosphere and to know that I am following in the footsteps of thousands of early pilgrims who valued these springs and wells as holy places.?
He discovered that while many sites had been neglected and forgotten by the communities, others were still highly valued.
Hartland and Chittlehampton were linked to the cult of local saints who were credited with miracles and were visited by pilgrims seeking healing and good fortune for hundreds of years.
He said: ?We have a number of unique and ancient sites, which are of major importance in understanding the spiritual heritage of the county and region.
?I hope this project will encourage others to visit them and for local communities to take better care of these ancient links with their past.?
The history and details of the wells are on a special website, http://www.holywells.com">www.holywells.com
The Tarka Millennium Awards are part of a £200 million programme of grants given to non-profit making organisations across the UK, and are partly funded by the Millennium Commission.