History of Epsom Salts

1. Introduction - The History of Epsom Salts
Explore the true history of Epsom salts, from Henry Wicker’s 1618 discovery to the debunked myths of the "wicked apothecary" and the spa's rise as a health resort Read more...
2. Water, Mineral Waters, & Spas - The History of Epsom Salts
From the early 17th century, places in Britain were promoted as spas of equal effectiveness and without the inconvenience of long journey. One of the earliest was Epsom. Read more...
3. Documentary Evidence Of The Original Epsom Well - The History of Epsom Salts
From the famous 1629 visit of Abram Booth to the chemical discovery of "Epsom Salts" by Nehemiah Grew, explore the authentic 17th-century timeline of Epsom Spa Read more...
4. Epsom: The Earliest English Spa - The History of Epsom Salts
Epsom outpaced rival spas by 1699, establishing Waterloo House and the Assembly Rooms as a premier hub for 17th-century bowling, dancing, and social life Read more...
5. The New Well And The Apothecary Livingstone - The History of Epsom Salts
Discover the rise of Epsom's "New Wells" as apothecary John Livingstone transformed the town into a premier 18th-century social hub with music, shops, and gaming Read more...
5. The New Well And The Apothecary Livingstone - The History of Epsom Salts
Discover the rise of Epsom's "New Wells" as apothecary John Livingstone transformed the town into a premier 18th-century social hub with music, shops, and gaming Read more...
6. The Height Of The Fashionable Spa In Epsom - The History of Epsom Salts
Trace the evolution of Epsom through the eyes of 18th-century travellers like Celia Fiennes and Daniel Defoe Read more...
7. Livingstone, The Promoter - The History of Epsom Salts
Debunk the myth of the "wicked apothecary." Evidence suggests John Livingstone was a dynamic entrepreneur who revitalized Epsom Spa Read more...
8. The Decline Of Epsom Spa - The History of Epsom Salts
Epsom’s legacy shifted from a competitive mineral spa to a refined residential retreat as rivals like Bath and Tunbridge Wells claimed the royal spotlight Read more...
9. After The Golden Age: Later Historians - The History of Epsom Salts
Explore how historians shaped the Epsom legacy, documenting the 19th-century decline of the Old Wells and the loss of its iconic elm trees Read more...
10. The Story Of Epsom Salts - The History of Epsom Salts
Learn how Nehemiah Grew popularized "Epsom Salts" and how its global manufacture moved from the limited Surrey wells to seawater and mines Read more...
11. What We Can And Cannot See Today - The History of Epsom Salts
Discover the surviving landmarks of Epsom’s Spa era, from the historic Old Well to the Assembly Rooms and grand houses that hosted 17th-century "Company" Read more...
12. The Chemistry Of Epsom Salt - The History of Epsom Salts
Compare the chemical potency of Epsom water through the centuries, from 17th-century drachms to modern g/L analysis of magnesium sulphate levels Read more...