Shotley Spa, Shotley Bridge, Durham
This circular basin about 3 metres diameter, with 3 steps down all round is all that is left of a large Spa complex that was popular in the 19th century. The water came out of the central square stone and it was protected by a thatched, conical roof. Jonathon Richardson (a member of the local gentry) turned the "Hally Well" spring into a spa around 1838. It stood in parkland with several buildings around, some of which still exist. It is believed that Charles Dickens visited Shotley Spa on the 18th May 1839 and signed the visitors book. A postcard sent from here has the message "I was at this place and had a drink of spa water - it was like poison".
