St. Bernard's Well: Edinburgh's Classical Healing Spring

Origins and Early History of the Healing Spring

St. Bernard's Well traces its origins to 1760 when a group of schoolboys from George Heriot’s School discovered a bubbling spring along the Water of Leith. Local legend connects the spring to St. Bernard of Clairvaux, a 12th-century monk who reputedly lived nearby and claimed the waters had healing properties. By the late 18th century, the spring had gained a reputation for medicinal benefits, believed to cure ailments ranging from arthritis to blindness. This belief sparked the construction of a dedicated well house to protect and celebrate the spring.

Architectural Grandeur Inspired by Classical Antiquity

In 1789, the well was enclosed by a magnificent structure designed by Alexander Nasmyth, a celebrated Scottish landscape painter and architect. Nasmyth drew inspiration from the ancient Roman Temple of Vesta at Tivoli, Italy, creating a circular temple supported by Doric columns and crowned with a domed roof. Atop the dome sits a gilded pineapple, a symbol of hospitality, while inside stands a marble statue of Hygieia, the Greek and Roman goddess of health. The inscription above the entrance, "Bibendo Valeris" (Drink and you will be well), reflects the optimistic spirit of the era’s spa culture.

Lord Gardenstone's Patronage and the Well’s Social Role

The well’s development was championed by Lord Gardenstone, an Edinburgh lawyer and abolitionist who purchased the spring and commissioned Nasmyth’s design. Gardenstone’s vision transformed the site into a fashionable destination for the wealthy and health-conscious during the Scottish Enlightenment. For nearly two centuries, visitors came to "take the waters," believing in the spring’s curative powers. The well was carefully managed, with a keeper appointed to regulate access and maintain the site’s prestige.

Decline, Closure, and Restoration Efforts

By the mid-20th century, the well’s waters were found to contain arsenic and other harmful substances, leading to its closure in the 1940s. Over subsequent decades, the structure fell into neglect, its interior and exterior suffering from decay. A significant restoration project began in 2012, led by Edinburgh World Heritage and the city council, as part of the Twelve Monuments initiative. This work included repairing the domed roof and re-gilding the decorative pine cone atop the dome, preserving the monument’s classical elegance for future generations.

Present-Day Experience and Cultural Significance

Today, St. Bernard's Well stands as a tranquil and picturesque landmark on the Water of Leith walkway, surrounded by lush woodland and the historic New Town gardens. While the interior is usually closed, it opens during special events such as the Edinburgh Art Festival and Doors Open Days, revealing exquisite mosaic ceilings and ornate water fittings. The well remains a symbol of Edinburgh’s rich cultural heritage, the Enlightenment’s embrace of science and art, and the city’s historic spa traditions.

Connections to Literature and Local Lore

The well has inspired literary associations, notably with Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley’s "Frankenstein," where it is mentioned alongside Edinburgh’s iconic landmarks. The site’s blend of natural beauty, classical architecture, and healing lore continues to captivate visitors, offering a unique glimpse into the city’s past and the enduring human fascination with health and wellness.