A Leeds news item on today's date (August 20) in 1847.

Leodian · Post by **Leodian** » Mon 20 Aug, 2012 1:11 pm

The following relating to August 20 1847 is from John Mayhall’s ‘Annals of Yorkshire’ vol 1:-August 20 1847. “The workmen employed on the construction of the Aire viaduct, of the Leeds and Thirsk railway, discovered a strong spring of water near Kirkstall road, close to the river, at the depth only of twenty-two feet, said to be much similar to the spa at Holbeck”.I wonder if that deep spring source is still there?Regarding Holbeck Spa, in the Wikipedia online encyclopedia about Holbeck it states “In the 18th century Holbeck was known for its spa water, which resembled that of Harrogate, and was carried into Leeds for sale. The supply diminished when numerous wells were sunk to supply the mills and works in the area and the water, which previously rose to the surface, could only be obtained by pumping from a considerable depth”. I assume that there is no Holbeck Spa water being extracted now.

Cardiarms · Post by **Cardiarms** » Mon 20 Aug, 2012 1:14 pm

Not even by Tetleys.

Leodian · Post by **Leodian** » Mon 20 Aug, 2012 1:41 pm

Good point Cardiarms. Regarding Holbeck Spa and Tetley's this is taken from 'Gipton Spa:Taking the Waters in Old Leeds' in the Friends of Gledhow Woods website (which also had "The following report was written by John Billingsley (General Editor, Northern Earth) and has been reproduced with his permission.")."South of the River Aire is Holbeck. once renowned for its beneficial sulphuric waters. Holbeck Spa, in Water Lane, was separate from the Holbeck Spa Well in Elland Road known as St Helen's Well, with St Helen's Bridge nearby; the Springwell street names today reveal its former vicinity. Lost amid the swirling road system leading on to the motorway is the Meadow Lane Spa. Sulphuric water in this area gave Tetleys some problems when sinking wells for their brewery; however, they were able to use water from a spa on Providence green for the cooling jackets in their Hunslet brewery, as its temperature was constant. This water was also in demand by nearby steelworkers as a remedy for heat rash and the indigestion they got from the town water". Presumably any 'spa' waters deep in the area now will build up and could provide a source at some stage in the future.

Jogon · Post by **Jogon** » Mon 20 Aug, 2012 5:01 pm

LeoOne of your earlier threads threw up something which may be relevant here:-http://www.secretleeds.com/forum/Messag ... ge=25There was a brewery on Kirkstall Rd and from memory, next to the viaduct. Perhaps 'the spring' was it's source? Breweries often are "fountain heads".

Leodian · Post by **Leodian** » Mon 20 Aug, 2012 7:55 pm

Thanks for that Jogon. A brewery using the spring there does seem very likely.

Si · Post by Si » Tue 21 Aug, 2012 9:25 am

Jogon wrote: There was a brewery on Kirkstall Rd and from memory, next to the viaduct. Perhaps 'the spring' was it's source? Breweries often are "fountain heads". Here is the brewery, from Leodis.Caption: "29th October 1959 This is looking from Maple Road to the old Willow Brewery. On the left side of the central building the loading bays can be seen. The brewery was founded in 1863 and taken over by the Kirkstall Brewery Co. Ltd in 1928."

Jogon · Post by **Jogon** » Tue 21 Aug, 2012 10:03 am

As with Mill Hill, clue may be in nameWillow Brewery, Willow Road"Willow roots grow widespread and are very aggressive in seeking out moisture"Where is the spring then? Surely one of the resident SL 'Water Boys' will know. PSSi - what have you done to Cameleon? Has he been 'dissappeared' Argentinian style?

Si · Post by Si » Wed 22 Aug, 2012 10:18 am

Jogon wrote: PSSi - what have you done to Cameleon? Has he been 'dissappeared' Argentinian style? I'm assuming he's on his hols, Jogon. Have e-mailed and am awaiting a reply. Hope he's OK.