The Wells

In 1626 Deane described five springs and Stanhope in 1632 mentioned six. By 1734 Short accounted for twelve. In more recent times a very much larger number was recognised. Dr. Oliver in 1881 referred to “no fewer than 80,” which was accepted by Dr Bain and Dr Edgecombe in 1905 and Dr Fox Strangeways in 1908.

There appears to be no record when the number 87 was first officially adopted, but it must have been some years before the war. The discovery of the Oakdale, or Irongate spring in 1926 brought the total to 88 known within a radius of two miles of the town centre, though only sixteen are used medicinally. They fall into two main groups, sulphur waters and chalybeate (iron) waters, though they can be further subdivided according to their salinity. Their composition is remarkably constant though the chalybeates do vary slightly.