Ponds, ditches and water
Stowupland is a surprisingly wet area having many ditches and ponds. Although we have lost some village ponds, (see ponds on the Green) we have also gained many within the new housing estates. Over the years some ponds have become known by new names e.g. Dents Pond, seen here, is more commonly known today as the Retreat pond.
The Retreat or Dents Pond
This pond is adjacent to The Retreat Pub, see image at the top of the page.
In August 2013 the Environment Working Party planned to clear ‘rubbish from the pond near the Retreat following an inspection on the 17th August. There were concerns that the level of the pond was too low and the fish could be at risk. The parish clerk was tasked to investigate whether the Fire Service would be able to pump water into the pond.
Tin Ponds
Several ponds on the Green were known as tin ponds because they were enclosed by a tin fence to deter children and animals from falling in.
A press report from October 1964 reported that a pond on the Green had been inadvertently filled in by a builder dumping spoil in it and despite protests by parish Councillors. The pond was essential as a sump for land drainage and was maintained by nearby parishioners.
In the 1970’s one of the ponds on the Green was filled in. It was known as the Tin Pond because it had been fenced with corrugated tin to prevent children or animals from bathing in the water.
Some of our older properties such as Columbine Hall still retain their original moats. Others only retain a portion that suggests the house might have been protected by a fuller moat. Many smaller houses have nearby ponds from which it is thought clay was extracted as the building material.
According to the 1901 sale particulars for Crown Farmhouse. In the cottage meadow (OS 405) of Crown Farm was a large reservoir pond which the Parish Council pays £1 per annum for the right to draw water from by two pumps.
Water for drinking
before the 20th century drinking water was not available at the turn of a tap, local people had to rely on stand pumps, wells, or even ponds.
In the 1890’s there was a severe water shortage
From the Bury Free Press 7th March, 1896 there were suggestions for enlarging and digging more ponds in various locations around the village which might be connected to pumps to supply residents with water for ‘domestic purposes’.
From a 1927 advert for a house sale we know that Saxham Street people were fetching water from a communal pump that was situated on the corner of the Driftway.
