Epsom Spa & Epsom Salts This well is in the middle of the suburban Wells Estate on Epsom Common In 1618 a villager called Henry Wicker discovered a hole with clear running water but his cattle would not drink the water because of the mineral content. Henry drank the water instead and set about promoting the medicinal benefits and the positive effects of ..... EPSOM SALTS! There were two Wells (Epsom Wells) and Epsom went on to become one of the first spa towns, and way before seaside spa towns. It became very popular, ladies and Gentleman coming from around England to drink the water. By the early 1700s in Epsom there were facilties for dining, dancing, gambling, coffee houses, bowling greens, racing, gardens, meeting people, having a good time, drinking the waters and taking the fresh air the early 18th century equivalent of going on a holiday or a fun or relaxing weekend break! The Epsom wells were small and the water sometimes collected sediment, or was dry. Other spa towns started to compete with Wells with more abundant water, and Epsom spa town sometimes had the reputation for being rowdy and bawdy (kind of the Georgian Blackpool or Ibiza!). Once Epsom Salts could be brought from a chemist (rather than drink from the Wells) decline gradually set in from 1738. The interest in the Epsom waters and racing probably resulted in the Epsom racecourse on Epsom downs and the race known as the Epsom Derby, first run in 1780 and the first Derby. So Epsom has two claims to fame, home of Epsom Salts and the original Derby. All others are imposters! #epsomwells #epsomspa #epsomcommon #epsom #epsomderby #kevthenatureguide (at Epsom Well) https://www.instagram.com/p/CMK75Ekj9pS/?igshid=1i6md5b5st9cv
