[5][6][7] In William Caxton's The Lyf of the Holy Blessid Vyrgyn Saynt Wenefryde, published in 1483, it is recorded that the monks decided to rest and wash the bones, and a spring of water gushed forth, about 10 miles from Shrewsbury.

[7][9] In John Mirk's book Festial, he describes two miraculous events in which pilgrims were healed by "þe watyr þat Saynt Wenefryd bonys wer waschyn yn".

[2][3] Occasionally, pebbles covered in red spots that resemble blood stains are found in the water;[2] pilgrims attributed the "bloodstains" to the story of St Winifred's decapitation.

"[8] The Landmark Trust's survey of the building revealed that, early on in its history, the wellhouse had suffered a period of neglect; this may have been due to the Reformation, during which shrines such as St Winifred's were outlawed.

There were several ale houses nearby, which likely contributed to unruly and chaotic gatherings at the well; this possibly annoyed local landowners, causing them to suppress the use of the well by the public in about 1755.