The Rise and Fall of Whittle Springs Brewery
A brief history of the rise and fall of the Spa and Brewery at Whittle Springs.
by J. Jackson.

WHITTLE   SPRINGS

The story of Whittle Springs, for it was at Whittle that the spring was discovered, has its own fascination and begins in the year 1836

The Cure

Although several distinguished physicians visited the spot and praised the efficacy of the waters, Brigham, who undoubtedly had a stake in the discovery, made by Heyes and himself, lost no time in following up certain cases. He fully realised that claims would have to be substantiated in order that the spa should continue to prosper. In a letter dated. Jan. 1847, Mr. Brigham wrote to John Heyes of two cases in particular. - William Critchlev (58) This man had been ill for two and a half years. "He had no appetite and severe pain on his right side was accompanied by sickness and vomiting. " According to Brighams findings, "the water acted on all his recreations and produced free and copious perspiration." Within three months he was back at work as a weaver, Anne Haworth (25) lived in a small cottage in Whittle. She had been ill for 14 years and confined to bed for the last five. She had suffered from painful ulcers, gradually increasing in number and extent. These were situated "on her back and limbs" and there was "much sloughing of the skin and discharge. " She was instructed to drink three to four pints of spring water daily and the affected areas were regularly wrapped in bandages soaked in spring water. Two months later, she was much improved and was able to walk and work a little.