Building record 5241/1/1 - Kings Cliffe Spa at SP 9962 9595

Spa bath, first recorded in 1712, exploiting a chalybeate spring, the source of which is unknown. There is grafitti on the ashlar tank that dates from 1747 to the end of the 19th century

{1} Shown as The Spa (Chalybeate) on Ordnance Survey map. Spa bath. Probably early C18. Limestone ashlar. Rectangular tank with flight of stone steps in west wall. Paved floor of tank has drainage channels. Smaller chamber attached to south-west corner of tank also has flight of access steps and was probably the feeder channel. The walls of the tank have graffitti dating from 1747 to end of C19. The potential of a chalybeate spring rising from the ferruginous limestone was first exploited by a Dr. Brown in about 1670. Morton records a "fit cistern of stone……" in 1712. (RCHM: An Inventory of Architectural Monuments in North Northamptonshire: p144)

{3} Its potential as a spa was first exploited in about 1670 by Dr Brown, a physician of King's Cliffe, who 'publicly recommended it' at that time. By 1712 there was 'a fit cistern of stone at a convenient distance from the spring, to take in water for the use of those who have cutaneous diseases or ulcers' (Morton, 274). Graffiti on the upper courses of the ashlar date from 1747 to the end of the 19th century.

{4} Post medieval spa comprising a stone lined 'bath' or pool entered by steps. Grafitti recorded. Restored in 1980s. Grid ref. SP99639592.

{5}The Spa Bath (or Kings Cliffe Spa as it is sometimes known) is a Grade II Listed structure and is of national importance. In summary the spa exploits a chalybate spring whose exact location is unknown. There is grafitti on the ashlar tank that dates from 1747 to the end of the 19th century. The monument at present consists of a rectangular tank with limestone ashlar faced walls and a flight of steps in the centre of the west side. These lead to a paved floor with drainage channels in. The tank was fed from two feeder channels. The spring was first exploited by a local physician in 1670. At present (1998) the spa is in very bad condition and very overgrown and it is hoped that it will be restored. NCC photos: 9950/3-15

{6} {7} Photos taken in c.1992. The spring was working at this time as red coloured water was flowing through the basin. The spa may have been built by Thorpes, masons at Kings Cliffe.

{12} Undated photo;

<1> Clews Architects, 1980s, Database for Listing of Historic Buildings of Special Architectural Interest: Northamptonshire, 1/122 (checked) (Digital archive). SNN102353.

<2> List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest ("Greenback"), G10 (unchecked) (Catalogue). SNN41470.

<3> Royal Commission on The Historical Monuments of England, 1984, An Inventory of The Historical Monuments in The County of Northampton, p.144 & Fig 184 (Series). SNN77384.

<4> Ordnance Survey, 1824, First Edition Ordnance Survey 1 Inch Map Series (Sheet 44), (unchecked) (Map). SNN42154.

<5> CADMAN G.E., 1998, SMR REPORT FORM, (unchecked) (Notes). SNN49593.

<6> Lee, M., 2004, Letter re. the Spa at Kings Cliffe, (checked) (Letter). SNN107138.

<7> Lee, M., c.1992, Photographs: Kings Cliffe Spa, (checked) (Photographic prints (COL)). SNN107139.

<8> Morris, L., 2010, Kings Cliffe Spa, (checked) (Photographic prints (COL)). SNN107142.

<9> BONNEY, 1817, Rev. K. Bonney's Notebook, (unchecked) (Extract). SNN107141.

<10> Morris, L., 2010, Translation of Rev. Bonney's text, (unchecked) (Note). SNN107143.

<11> County Planning Officer, 1984, Chalybeate Spa at Kings Cliffe (Letter). SNN111804.

<12> Photographs of buildings in Southwick (Photographs). SNN113176.

<13> Historic England, KING'S CLIFFE SPA, SOUTHWICK, BF084447 (Archive). SNN114895.

Record last edited

Mar 24 2023 4:00PM