Saint John Schorne’s Holy Well, North Marston, Bucks (51.895910, -0.872596)

## Overview Saint John Schorne's Holy Well is a historic sacred spring located in the village of North Marston, Buckinghamshire, England. The well is named after Sir John Schorne (c. 1290–1314), a beloved rector of North Marston who was widely venerated as a folk saint in medieval England. According to long-standing local tradition, Schorne struck the ground with his staff during a severe drought and caused a spring of clear water to rise — a miracle that drew pilgrims from across the country for centuries. Sir John Schorne was never formally canonised by the Church, but his cult following was immense. He was famously credited with "conjuring the Devil into a boot," an image that became one of the most recognisable in English medieval iconography and is thought by some historians to be the origin of the jack-in-the-box toy. Pilgrims flocked to North Marston to visit his well and his shrine, believing the water had curative properties — particularly for gout and ague (fever). The pilgrimage was so lucrative that in 1478, the Dean and Canons of Windsor had Schorne's relics translated to St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, to attract pilgrims and their offerings there instead. The well itself sits along Schorne Lane on the edge of the village, marked by a modest stone surround. It has been a local landmark for over 700 years and remains one of the most historically significant holy wells in Buckinghamshire. The water has historically been used as a source of drinking water and was long believed by pilgrims to possess healing qualities, though no modern water quality testing data is publicly available. ## Directions 1. From the town of **Buckingham**, head southeast on the A413 toward Aylesbury. 2. After approximately 6 miles, turn right (south) toward **North Marston**, following local signage. 3. Enter the village of North Marston and look for **Schorne Lane** — the well is located along this lane. 4. The GPS coordinates **51.895910, -0.872596** will guide you directly to the site. The postcode **MK18 3PJ** can also be used in sat-nav systems. 5. Parking is limited to roadside spaces in the village; please park considerately and respect local residents. ## What to Expect Saint John Schorne's Holy Well is a quiet, contemplative site steeped in centuries of history. Visitors will find a modest stone well structure along Schorne Lane in the peaceful rural village of North Marston. The surrounding Buckinghamshire countryside is gently rolling farmland, and the village itself retains much of its traditional English character. The Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in North Marston — where John Schorne served as rector — is nearby and worth a visit for anyone interested in the full story of this remarkable medieval figure. The church contains historical references to Schorne and his legacy. The well is publicly accessible and can be visited year-round. There are no formal facilities at the site, so visitors should plan accordingly. The area is flat and generally easy to access on foot from the road. As with any natural water source, the water should not be assumed safe for drinking without appropriate treatment, despite its long historical use as a pilgrimage water source. This is a wonderful destination for anyone interested in English medieval history, sacred springs, or the folklore of Buckinghamshire.