Knave-Go-By Well, Camborne

## Overview Knave-Go-By Well is a historic public drinking spring located in Camborne, a town steeped in mining heritage in west Cornwall, England. The evocative name "Knave-Go-By" hints at centuries of local folklore — in old Cornish and English dialect, such names were often given to places associated with cautionary tales or waypoints where travellers were warned to stay on the right path. Holy wells and public springs are deeply woven into Cornwall's cultural landscape, and Knave-Go-By Well is one of many that have served the local community as a source of fresh water for generations. Camborne itself sits atop granite bedrock, part of the Cornish batholith, which naturally filters groundwater and has historically provided clean, mineral-rich spring water to the surface. The town's long association with tin and copper mining means that the surrounding geology is complex, and many of Camborne's springs have been valued by locals for centuries — both for practical use and for their perceived restorative qualities. While the water at Knave-Go-By Well has historically been used as a drinking water source by the local community, visitors should be aware that no current water quality testing data is publicly available, and conditions can change over time. ## Directions 1. The well is located in the Camborne area of Cornwall, England, near the GPS coordinates **50.203406, -5.291086**. 2. From the centre of Camborne, head towards the western outskirts of town. The coordinates place the well close to residential streets on the edge of the settlement. 3. Using a GPS device or smartphone navigation app with the coordinates above is recommended, as the well may not be prominently signposted. 4. Look for a traditional stone wellhead or spout — many Cornish public springs are set into walls or roadside embankments. *Note: These directions are based solely on the GPS coordinates provided and have not been independently verified against a specific walking route or local signage.* ## What to Expect Knave-Go-By Well is classified as a public drinking spring, suggesting it features an accessible spout or outlet where water can be collected. Many of Cornwall's historic wells are modest stone structures — sometimes a granite trough set into a wall, or a small covered wellhead — so visitors should look for traditional stonework near the given coordinates. The surrounding area is typical of west Cornwall's semi-urban landscape: a mix of residential streets, green spaces, and remnants of the region's industrial past. Cornwall's public wells are often found along old footpaths and lanes, and Knave-Go-By Well likely sits along one of these historic routes. Visitors interested in Cornwall's rich tradition of holy wells and public springs will find Camborne a rewarding area to explore, with several other historic water sources in the wider district. The spring is best visited during daylight hours, and those hoping to collect water should bring their own containers.