This well was looked on as a sure and certain place of safety and refuge from all supernatural visitants, as shown by a certain legend; Pam The Fiddler.The well formerly attracted pilgrims from far and near, its waters being famed for their healing properties for many ailments. Now it is still in good condition and attracts visitors out of curiosity. In the early 1900s it was used by the youth of the district who 'being held by Cupid's Chain seemed to gain fresh inspirations from copious draughts of the cooling waters' [Arthur Millar, Yorkshire Notes & Queries].
Pam the Fiddler was a teacher at Threshfield school many years ago and as he played his fiddle to entertain his pupils a ghost would appear and stand listening to the music. After Pam's death a local man returning home late one night saw Pam on the roof of the school fighting with the local vicar and accompanied by imps. The witness sneezed, and the imps and Pam's ghost chased him; he took refuge in the shelter of the well where he stayed till cock-crow, safe from attack. This story was told by Robert Greenwood, a farmer's son who was born and still lives in the area, and attended the school in the 1970s.
Alternate Version : A local story concerning Pam the Fiddler a murdered teacher from Threshfield School relates how a passer-by had to take refuge in the spring overnight to escape Pam’s ghost after he had chanced upon it playing to a band of imps inside the nearby school.
The Well
This is one of several wells situated beside the River Wharfe on its long journey from Beckermonds in Langstrothdale to its meeting with the Ouse, North of Cawood. Threshfield is near Linton-in-Craven, on the upper stretches of the Wharfe and the Well of Our Lady emerges as a clear spring of water near to Grassington Bridge.
More usually known as Lady Well, this is one of several natural springs that run into the River Wharfe along its length. The spring emerges near Grassington Bridge and is channelled into the river. It is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and so considered to be a holy well.
