HISTORY OF STAFFORDSHIRE [171 



latile is it, and so little restrained, that when set over the fire, it 

 flies away so fast, that the water quickly loses its smell. 



In ancient times, when leprosies were frequent, this water was 

 accounted a sovereign remedy for such as were troubled with that 

 foul distemper ; and for whose better accommodation there was a 

 house built near it, which retains to this day the name of the 

 Leper House. This water is in use at present against scabs and 

 itch, both in man and beast, and purges both by siege and urine. 

 It not only rakes the body within, but most effectually drives forth 

 all ill humours, and sometimes it vomits, according to the consti- 

 tutions of the patients, who commonly drink about three quarts 

 at a time. Less, scarce works except by vomit, where it meets 

 with weak stomachs. 



The inhabitants hereabout brew their drink with this water, 

 especially at that which they call the Brimstone Alehouse ; and 

 boil their meat with it. Upon which it is observed, that none of 

 them are ever troubled either with scabs or itch, or such like cuti- 

 cular diseases. 



Willowbridge Well, situate in Willowbridge Park, near to Ash- 

 ley, is a water that carries with it the most rectified sulphur, it 

 being hardly visible in the water itself, which appears, not like 

 others, of a yellow, but clear chrystalline colour; only on the 

 sides of the glasses, after they have been used awhile, one may 

 perceive with good attention a bright oilyness. So abundant was 

 this water in Plot's time, that he computed no less than sixty 

 springs of it, of a most uninterrupted profluence, all rising within 

 the space of ten yards square. 



It cures many diseases by its balsamic virtue and great subtilty 

 and volatility, easily permeating the closest texture, and most in- 

 accessible parts of the body, when once heated by the stomach 

 if taken inwardly ; or by the external heat of the skin, if applied 

 outwardly by way of bath. 



The Right Honourable Jane Lady Gerard, Baroness Gerard of 

 Gerard 's Bromley, was the first who discovered the restorative 

 virtues of these waters ; and at her charitable expence several of 

 the springs have been inclosed with squared stone, to preserve 

 them pure and fit for bathing and drinking; and divers apartments 

 built for lodging the poorer sort of diseased impotent people. By 

 which deeds she was justly entitled to the praise of a pious and 

 charitable lady. 



This lady's son, Digby Lord Gerard, had a stately seat at Brom- 



