THE PONDS
The River Fleet
The River Fleet is the largest and best known of London's subterranean rivers, flowing from the heights of Hampstead Heath down to the Thames at Blackfriars Bridge. The Fleet was such a major river in Roman times that it culminated in a substantial estuary with a tide mill in it, and indeed the river takes its name from the Anglo-Saxon word fléot, meaning ‘estuary’.
The sources of the Fleet at Hampstead Heath are two springs separated by Parliament Hill, one on the western side nearHampstead and one on the eastern side in the grounds of Kenwood House. Some of the many rivulets that form the Fleet can still be seen on the Heath.
From Hampstead Heath to Battle Bridge the Fleet's two springs feed lines of ponds — the Hampstead Ponds to the west and the Highgate Ponds to the east — which were dammed to create reservoirs from the 17th Century. The two streams then flow down to Camden Town, where they meet up and continue to King's Cross. This area was originally named Battle Bridge apparently in reference to an ancient river crossing where Queen Boudicca fought in vain against the Romans in 60 AD. Battle Bridge became King's Cross in 1830, when an enormous statue of George IV was erected at the crossroads. This ‘hideous monstrosity’ (as historian Walter Thornbury described it in 1878) was removed after just 15 years.The upper sections of the Fleet were covered when Hampstead was expanded in the 1870s, while parts of the Camden and King's Cross sections were closed over during the development of the Regent's Canal from 1812 onwards. The Fleet now passes beneath the canal.
Hampstead Heath Ponds
The history of water supply in London and the development of ponds on Hampstead Heath is an intriguing tale. In the early days, London relied on the River Thames and nearby springs for its water needs. In the 13th century, the Corporation of London purchased springs near Tyburn, and the Great Conduit, a lead pipe, was constructed to bring water to the city. As demand grew, the Great Conduit was extended to include springs near Marylebone and Paddington. In the 16th century, the search for water sources led to the exploration of springs on Hampstead Heath.
Under the London Conduit Act of 1544, the City of London was authorised to utilise the springs on the Heath, along with other springs within a five-mile radius of the City. However, the plan to bring water from Hampstead to the City was not successful at that time. In 1692, the Hampstead Water Company was established by an Act of Parliament to provide fresh water to London and its northern suburbs, including Kentish Town. The company purchased existing ponds and created reservoirs, such as the Mixed Bathing Pond and Hampstead No. 2 Pond. As demand continued to rise, additional ponds were constructed, including the Hampstead No. 1 Pond and the Hampstead No. 2 Pond, which was located in a swampy area known for its frogs and mosquitoes.
The Highgate chain of reservoirs was also developed by the Hampstead Water Company in the late 17th century. These reservoirs, formed by damming the eastern tributary of the River Fleet, included Stock Pond, Kenwood Ladies' Bathing Pond, Bird Sanctuary Pond, Model Boating Pond, Men's Pond, and Highgate No. 1 Pond. The company also acquired Millfield Farm and built Wood Pond and Concert Pond in the Kenwood Estate.
Over the years, Hampstead Heath has witnessed various incidents, including major flooding in 1975, which had a significant impact on the area. To address the risks associated with dam collapse in the ponds, the "Ponds Project" was initiated to ensure their safety.
Throughout its rich history, Hampstead Heath has evolved into an important recreational area, offering a range of water bodies, from reservoirs to small ornamental pools. The ponds and their surrounding landscapes continue to attract visitors who appreciate the natural beauty and historical significance of this remarkable place.
Hampstead Mixed Pond
Hampstead Mixed Bathing Pond was the first pond to be used in the early 1800s and as few people were able to swim, bathing was the done thing at the time (hence the Ponds are still known as Bathing Ponds). Following Captain Webb’s Channel swim in 1875, swimming became popular and in 1884 the Mixed Bathing Pond was officially opened for swimming and in 1889 a shed for changing was provided.
By the end of the century the Mixed Bathing Pond had its own swimming club, the Highgate Water Rats, with the aim to improve water safety. The pond was reserved for women on Thursdays. Today the Mixed Pond is managed by the City of London Corporation, which is responsible for maintaining the water quality, safety and facilities.
Highgate Men's Pond
The Highgate Men's Bathing Pond has a rich history, dating back to the early 1900s. At the time, swimming in the Hampstead Heath ponds was a popular pastime, but men and women were segregated. The men's pond was established in 1901, and it quickly became a beloved institution.
Today, the Highgate Men's Bathing Pond is managed by the City of London Corporation, which is responsible for maintaining the water quality, safety, and facilities.
Kenwood Ladies’ Pond
The Kenwood Ladies' Pond was officially opened in 1926 following the popularity of the Mixed and Men's Ponds. There were few trees on the Heath in those days and the ponds were unfenced and so drew crowds of men and children who would come to watch the ladies bathe. By 1929 naked sunbathing on the meadow above the pond was no longer permitted and dogs had to be tied up outside.
Today the Kenwood Ladies’ Bathing Pond is the only ladies’ natural bathing pond in Europe and is managed by the City of London Corporation, which is responsible for maintaining the water quality, safety, and facilities.
Curious Fact #1
The artist John Constable was captivated by Hampstead Heath and painted it several times, often featuring the ponds in his works. One of his famous paintings, "Hampstead Heath with a Rainbow," showcases Branch Hill Pond with an imaginary windmill and a double rainbow.
Curious Fact #2
The Kenwood Ladies' Bathing Pond, opened to the public in 1926, remains the only ladies' natural bathing pond in Europe.
Curious Fact #3
The construction of the Metropolitan Line in 1862 buried the Fleet under Farringdon Road. However, you can still hear the water through a grating in front of the pub on Ray Street.
Curious Fact #4
The ponds gained more popularity after the Netflix documentary
film 'The Ponds’ (2018).
Curious Fact #5
During the First and Second World Wars, the pond was used by the army as a training ground for waterborne exercises. After the war, it returned to its original use as a swimming spot for men.
Curious Fact #6
A Christmas Day race was a regular feature and is a tradition that continues to this day. It started in the Mixed Pond and is currently played in the Men’s Pond.
About the Cache
You’ll be looking for something different and not hidden. As soon as your eye finds the object at odds with its location, you'll know you've got it right.
The cache and its log are inside the object and to open it, please, there is no need for force. Don't pull, don't push, just slide it sideways.
Please, bring your own pen (BYOP).
Please replace the cache at the same location so that the hint can always remain accurate.
Tweezers are not essential, but they can help you remove the log from the container.
About Hampstead_Twins
We are Hampstead locals and have recently discovered GeoCaching activity. As we are delighted with the place where we live and with the stories we find in every corner of this locality, we decided to share some curious facts about our neighbourhood and encourage GeoCaching activity in the region. We hope you enjoy.
If you found any errors, had any ideas for improvement while doing the route or even just want to talk with us and encourage more caches like this one, feel free to send us a message. We will respond to everyone as soon as possible. Let’s get in touch.
What’s Next?
Did you like what you saw here? If you haven't already, how about trying to find another cache in the area of Hampstead? Look for ‘Cannon Lane’ multi cache and have fun!