Lazy Days on the Great Ouse

Lazy Days On The Great Ouse Visiting The Quaintest Spa In England By Peter Ibbett History

As the Great Ouse curves seaward away from the town bridge gently flowing alongside the buttercup covered common meadows two canonists paddle by, as many have done before them, enjoying the peace and tranquillity under crystal clear blue skies and only the sound of bird song to accompany them. Back on June 3rd 1895 a procession of decorated boats made their way down along the same stretch of river to the new mineral water springs at Little Paxton where enterprising local business men had opened a Spa which they hoped would bring more visitors and money into the town. The spring water which had the ‘flavour of warm flatirons’ did not catch on but a 1909 newspaper article gives an insight into what the hopeful visitor in search of a remedy for their ailments found:- St. Neots has a quiet charm of its own which modernity has not dispersed yet. Huntingdonshire folk call it anything but Saint Neots - it is ‘Sneetz’, ‘Snoats’, and ‘Snootz’ to the farmers who attend its prosperous weekly market. It lies in the very heart of a rich agricultural district, its air is supremely healthy, and its natives are kindly hospitable folk, always happy to welcome a visitor. St. Neots is easy of access to the Londoner. It is on the Great Northern Railway main line, the return fare is only 8s. 7d. third class, and there is ample accommodation in the town for visitors, with abundant and healthy country fare, and cheap. Fresh air, fresh eggs, fresh butter, and fresh milk, a delightful little corner of old - and unspoilt - England, a river full of fish, and a town full of hospitality. If your habit is to dine late, there is absolutely no need to dress for it in St. Neots!

Well, local folk did dress for regatta occasions! Under ‘lock-down’ conditions echoes of the town before the 1918 pandemic are around on the Ouse today. The local museum may be closed ‘for the duration’ but its active web-site has much new material to enjoy. Thanks to the Spring 1995 Newsletter of St. Neots History Society.

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