Virgin Mary’s Spring, Petworth

## Overview Virgin Mary's Spring is a historic public drinking spring located in the charming market town of Petworth, West Sussex, England. Petworth is perhaps best known for Petworth House, the grand National Trust estate, and its picturesque streets lined with antique shops and galleries. The spring's name — invoking the Virgin Mary — suggests a long tradition of veneration, likely dating back to the medieval period when holy wells and sacred springs were common features of English towns and villages. Such springs were often believed to possess healing or purifying properties and served as important communal water sources for centuries. Petworth itself sits on the edge of the South Downs, an area rich in chalk and greensand geology, which naturally filters groundwater and gives rise to numerous springs throughout the region. Virgin Mary's Spring is one such emergence, and its association with a religious dedication hints that it may have been a site of pilgrimage or local devotion long before the modern era. While no formal water quality testing data is currently available for this spring, it has historically been used as a public drinking water source by the local community. As with any natural spring, visitors should exercise their own judgment regarding water consumption. ## Directions 1. Head to the town of Petworth in West Sussex, UK. Petworth is located along the A272, roughly midway between Midhurst and Billingshurst. 2. The spring is situated in or near the centre of Petworth at approximately GPS coordinates **50.98133, -0.599692**. 3. Once in Petworth, look for the spring near the historic town centre. Local signage or asking at nearby shops may help pinpoint the exact location, as heritage springs in English market towns are sometimes tucked along old lanes or set into stone walls. *Note: These directions are based on the GPS coordinates provided and general knowledge of Petworth's layout. If you have visited and can offer more precise walking directions, your contribution would be greatly appreciated.* ## What to Expect Virgin Mary's Spring is located within the walkable historic centre of Petworth, making it easily accessible on foot. The town itself is a delight to explore, with narrow lanes, stone buildings, and a quintessentially English atmosphere. As a public drinking spring, the site has traditionally served as a communal water point. Expect a modest but characterful spring feature — many of Petworth's historic structures date back several centuries, and the spring may be set into old stonework or marked with a plaque referencing its dedication to the Virgin Mary. Petworth is a year-round destination, though the spring may flow more vigorously during wetter months (autumn and winter). The surrounding South Downs National Park offers excellent walking and cycling opportunities, and nearby Petworth House and its deer park are well worth a visit while you're in the area. There is paid parking available in the town, and Petworth is served by local bus routes from surrounding towns including Chichester and Pulborough.