Taking the waters

SHEARSBY in Leicestershire could have been famous. In 1807, a spa was opened outside the village, the pungent waters of which offered relief from a wide range of complaints, including skin diseases, indigestion, rheumatism, bilious problems and nervous disorders. The name of the Bath Hotel, which still exists, bears witness to the hopes had for the development—but, alas, Shearsby was one of dozens of spa developments that failed during the 18th and 19th centuries: evidence of intense competition. Landowners who could turn a spring, strongly laced with minerals—if not marmalade in colour from the iron content—into a successful resort could make quick profits. As a result, some of Britain’s most beautiful Georgian cities were spas.

Wells and springs have been credited with special properties since early times. Sacred to the Romans and their successors, they were often regarded as holy places by the Celtic Church. At St Non’s well at