Monument record 182/1 - Astrop Spa

{1} 1664 spa built; well enclosing water; in 1749 a new well 1/2 mile from old spa was opened; reports of public balls & dancing etc; popularity faded c.1800;

{4} In the mid 17th century a spa was established in the dependent to Kings Sutton hamlet of Astrop.
Although it was not an urban settlement, Astrop Spa, now wholly deserted, is also worthy of detailed archaeological study. In addition to the original well head of the 18th century, which survives complete, the site also appears to contain surviving earthworks of buildings present in the early 18th century and before which should be conserved

{6} The medicinal properties of the water were first discovered c.1657. The water was soon after enclosed in a well. In 1740, the spa was desribed as including a house with pallisades, a gravel walk, garden house, WC block, tea room, dancing room, kitchen and shop. An article in the Northampton Mercury of July 27th 1761 claimed that the spa was on the decline and by 1771 the buildings were in a poor state. By 1913 the tea room, dancing room and kitchen had entirely disappeared and the other buildings were in ruins.

{9} Astrop famous for mineral well at bottom of small hill; was much esteemed for 50 years; well dedicated to St Rumbald.

<1> Baker G., 1830, The History and Antiquities of Northamptonshire, p.703 (unchecked) (Book). SNN77327.

<2> 1883, THE GARDEN, 289-90 (unchecked) (Uncertain). SNN59315.

<3> Stroud D., 1975, Capability Brown, 216 (unchecked) (Book). SNN42133.

<4> Taylor J.; Foard G.; Ballinger J., 2002, Northamptonshire Extensive Urban Survey: Overview, Appendix 2 (unchecked) (Report). SNN103118.

<5> Kings Sutton - The Decline of Astrop, (unchecked) (Report). SNN70285.

<6> Beeby Thompson, 1913, Peculiarities of Waters and Wells, (checked) (Article). SNN109655.

<7> Beesley J., 1841, History of Banbury, (unchecked) (Extract). SNN280.

<8> KAYE J R, 1991, St. Rumbald's Well, Astrop Park, (checked) (Letter). SNN40406.

<9> Bridges J., 1791, The History and Antiquities of Northamptonshire, p.180 (unchecked) (Book). SNN100366.

Record last edited

Oct 25 2019 1:40PM