Water from earliest times was thought to possess magical qualities. Springs were used for baptisms, healing or the production of salt. Pilgrims from Gaul and the Roman Empire travelled to remote parts of Derbyshire or Somerset to seek cures for rheumatism, dropsy or disorders of the blood. The legends. the history and the growth of theses eleven British Spas, together with nearby gardens, theatres, cathedrals, mills, historic houses, ruined abbeys, a nature reserve, an arboretum and a Blue John mine, are all described in detail by the author and illustrated by the sensitive and witty photographs taken by her husband. 1983 first edition hardback, signed by both the author and illustrator. In sound, clean condition.