Wells of Northampton: A Distant Dream of Clean Water
Until just a few decades ago, the luxury of turning on a tap in one’s home and witnessing an endless stream of clean, fresh drinking water was a distant dream for most residents of Northampton. The everyday tasks of drawing water for drinking, bathing, and cooking required laborious efforts, either from wells or distant springs.
Historical Wells and Their Legacy
The city of Northampton boasts a significant number of historical wells, some of which are commemorated through local street names such as Scarletwell, renowned for dyeing Royal wool, and Swineswell Street, now known as Derngate.
Water: The Key Ingredient for Brewing
For breweries, a dependable water source is of paramount importance, as water stands as one of the key raw materials in the beer-making process. The water’s hardness and mineral content profoundly impact the beer’s taste. Traditionally, hard water areas like Northampton were favoured for brewing ales, while soft water regions were sought after for brewing lagers.
The Brewers’ Wells Endure
Remarkably, some of the “brewers’ wells” still exist today, and we had the privilege of surveying one within a notable building. This particular structure happens to be the original horse and dray stable block on the historic Phipps Brewery site, now home to the Albion and Wells Brewery.
Heritage Preservation and Vibrant Occupancy
Under the stewardship of the site owners, Michael and Jonathan Teasdale, the building’s heritage is meticulously preserved. Their commitment to upholding tradition extends to encouraging local independent artisans and entrepreneurs to occupy the tenanted spaces above the Brewery, injecting vibrant life into the entire structure.
Surveying of the Stable Block
Our task was to conduct a meticulous measured survey of the horse and dray stable block, employing a Leica laser scanner. Taking great care not to drop the scanner into the depths of the well, we managed to survey its invert levels. The resulting scan image below offers a partial cross-section, providing a glimpse into the historic well’s depths.
Uncovering Additional Tributaries
Adjacent to the horse and dray stable block, we also discovered a smaller tributary connected to the well. Although we didn’t measure the invert levels of this shaft, the accompanying video clip, which includes sound, provides a sense of its remarkable depth.
Reviving a Historic Building’s Potential
Upon completion, our survey drawings will be handed over to a local architect to revive and breathe new life into this historically significant building. The goal is to create inspiring accommodation for local artisans and entrepreneurs, fostering an environment where creativity and success can flourish.
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