Old Magnesia Well Pump Room
The Old Magnesia Well Pump Room is a Gothic-style building[1] grade II listed in Valley Gardens, Harrogate, England.
History
The pump room is situated upon the now empty Bogs Field, a geological area containing 36 different mineral water springs (the closest arrangement of such a diverse variety of springs in the world). The magnesia well was first identified by Dr Short in his 1652 book "The Yorkshire Spaw" ("Spaw" being the era-appropriate spelling of "Spa"). Dr Short recommended the water as a strong diuretic, as supported by Dr Sheridan Muspratt's 1867 chemical analysis, showing that the water was slightly sulphurous.[2]
In 1841, wellheads were built to extract water from Bogs Field. The magnesia well pump and enclosing pump room were designed by John Stead in 1858 to serve water to visitors of the Harrogate Spa to pump magnesia water, one of the most popular drinking waters[3].
The opening of the Valley Pleasure Grounds in 1887 caused an increase in visitors, necessitating a larger pump, which was built in 1895. The old pump room was abandoned and fell into disrepair.[3]
Restoration
In 2011, Friends of Valley Gardens began a restoration project led by Jane Blayney[4]. By 2015, the group had successfully restored the building and nearby peat garden, rockery, and Japanese garden, transforming the area into an education and information centre.
Since, the pump room and surrounding gardens have received the Yorkshire in Bloom 2016 platinum award and the Harrogate in Bloom Shield 2016.[1]
The newer 1895 pump room now houses a café.
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 "Visit Harrogate".
- ↑ "Britain Express".
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 "Heritage Open Days".
- ↑ Cite error: Invalid
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