Today we take water for granted. Turn on a tap and it’s there. In previous eras this was not the case. A spring could be viewed as having magical, curative powers. In later time it might have been seen as a spa where chemicals in the water would cure the sick and infirm. Such a site might become the focal point of the village. A landlord with pretentions to beautifying his estates might build an ornamental wellhead. Or develop the site into a spa resort. All before mains water was introduced.

This talk focuses on the hidden history of water and the monuments it has left behind.