312 HISTORY OF THE 



and interesting view of the surrounding country, is 

 the far-famed Epsom race-course, where the Derby 

 and Oaks are annually run for. 



Towards the conclusion of the 17th and in the 

 beginning of the 18th centuries, the mineral waters 

 at this place were in great use. The spring, situ- 

 ated on the common, half a mile out of the village, 

 was the first of the kind discovered in England, with 

 the exception of the hot well at Bath. It was 

 found by accident, in 1618, or, according to 

 another account, about the end of Queen Eliza- 

 beth's reign. Its beneficial properties soon became 

 generally known, and began to attract visitors, for 

 whose accommodation the lord of the manor erect- 

 ed a shed, and enclosed the pond formed by the 

 spring. About 1640, the fame of these waters had 

 spread into France, Germany, and other countries, 

 and from them salts were prepared, for which, 

 though sold at five shillings an ounce, the demand 

 was greater than could be supplied. About 1649, 

 the concourse of families and foreigners resorting 

 to the well was so great, that Mr. Packhurst, then 

 lord of the manor, enlarged the first building, by 

 erecting a ball-room, planted a long walk of elms 

 from the London road, and avenues leading in dif- 

 ferent directions. The village continued increas- 

 ing, and rivalled even Bath and Tunbridge in the 

 number of its distinguished visitors. 



About the beginning of the last century, these 

 waters gradually lost their reputation, through the 



