If you are looking for something that is a little different, that you might not expect to find in South Kesteven, Lincolnshire, then you should visit Billingborough. The charming village is home to a natural artesian spring known as the Spring Wells.
St Andrews Church by the Spring Wells. Photo credit Fay Wilkins.
You can find the spring rising on Church Street just in front of St Andrews Church and only a short walk from the local pub, the Fortescue Arms. The Grade I listed church is worth visiting, and at a height of 150ft is has one of the tallest spires in the fens. A walk around the village will reveal many historic buildings, some of which included masonry from the nearby priory of Sempringham, which was dissolved by Henry VIII.
A broader view of the Old Hall from the Spring Wells. Photo credit Fay Wilkins.
There is access to the spring all year round and if you take the time to visit make sure you take a closer look to spot the water bubbling.
Ducks at the spring. Photo Credit Fay Wilkins.
The springs are a haven for wildlife and a great place to feed the ducks. Several species make their home in the waters including Indian Running Duck, White Pekin Ducks, Pochard x Ferruginous Ducks and Moorhens. Its also been home to rare eels; we know this as they were found back in 2011 when the spring had dried up. The springs have only dried up twice in living memory, in 1967 and in 2011 when the water did not reappear for six months.
Ducklings swimming. Photo Credit Fay Wilkins.
The Spring Wells are artesian springs, meaning they rise due to natural water pressure and are not pumped. They are fed from the underlying Jurassic limestone aquifer, which also supplies domestic water in this area.
Billingborough Spring Wells Duck House.
The water is slightly warm and seldom freezes. The water no doubt attracted early settlers and there is evidence of Iron Age and Roman settlement nearby.
The Spring Wells Billingborough, feeding the swans, photo taken in the 1970s.
The water is “chalybeate,” meaning it contains iron salts, and as such was highly valued by the Victorians who believed the water had health giving properties. The cisterns where the Victorians drew their water by hand can still be seen on either side.
Early image of The Springs Billingborough. Someone drawing water from a tank.
The spring served as an especially significant resource for the village up until the late 1930s as it was the main source of drinking water and it was used for washing water by all who lived in the local community, although we don’t recommend visitors drink the water today!
Ducklings, enjoying the spring. Photo Credit Fay Wilkins.
If you visit the Billingborough Spring Wells or have a story about the spring to share with us, then please contact us via email: discover@southkesteven.gov.uk
Special thanks to Ari Volanakis, Billingborough Parish Councillor, for sharing information with us about the Billingborough Spring Wells.
