In 1870 a Malt Kiln near to St Winefride’s Well Shrine was converted into a Hospice to provide accommodation for sick pilgrims. The Hospice was run by the Sisters of charity of St Paul the Apostle of Selly Park, Birmingham for 132 years. Latterly it became known as St Winefride’s Pilgrims Rest continuing to provide accommodation for pilgrims and visitors playing an important part in the life of the local community.

When in 2002 the Sisters were unable to continue to run the premises it was closed on 3rd May that year.

On 10 June 2003 the Rt Rev Bishop Edwin Regan, Bishop of Wrexham, received a proposal from Madre Tekla Famigliette, Abbess Generale, Ordinis Sanctissimi Salvatoris (The Order of Our Holy Saviour and St Bridget) generally known as The Bridgettine Sisters, (founded in 1370 by St Bridget of Sweden) to establish a new foundation at Holywell, centred on the former St Winefride’s Pilgrims Rest and the adjoining Ave Maria Hall (in ruins). The Ave Maria Hall would be restored and converted as a stand alone cloister (convent) for the community of Sisters. The adjoining St Winefride’s Pilgrims Rest would be modernised to provide improved accommodation for pilgrims and visitors, in which the Sisters would continue to provide the tradition of service, care and courtesey which has been the hallmark since its foundation.

The proposal was accepted. The contract of renewal, and refurbishment of both buildings including the provision of modern en-suite accommodation in all rooms for 28 visitors at St Winefride`s House (the former Pilgrims Rest), was granted to W D Stant of Wrexham. St Winefride`s House, an historic part of the ancient pilgrimage to St Winefride`s Well, with a restaurant also open to non- residents, is expected to open for Visitors and Pilgrims in October 2007 staffed by Mother Julia and Sisters of The Bridgettines Order, who will reside in the adjoining Ave Maria Hall.

These two buildings, are of significant importance in the Holywell Townscape Heritage Initiative scheme for the towns conservation area, and are receiving grant aid from the THI Partnership i.e.The Heritage Lottery Fund, The Welsh Assembly Government, CADW, The Welsh Tourist Board, Flintshire County Council, The Nazareth Trust and The Catholic Diocese of Wrexham.

picture 1 AVE Maria Hall 2006

picture 2 Ave Maria Hall - May 2007

With scaffolding removed the clear lines of the original building indicate the progress of refurbishment of the once derelict AVE Maria Hall.

Completion is expected during November 2007

picture 3 St Winefride's Pilgrim House -2006

picture 4 St Winefride's Pilgrim House - May 2007

The last phase in the refurbishment of St Winefride’s House with landscape work in progress.

Completion is expected in November 2007.

Consultant Architects: Francis B Roberts, Chartered Architects, Preston, Lancashire.

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