Fox Spring 2

I was really bold today. On a walk round the houses we passed another of the capped springs, the next one down from this one, that is the middle of the three Fox springs. If you recall, these, with the  Hare, Swan and Peewit springs, provided Edinburgh with the first piped fresh water supply in the C17. There is still some discussion as to precise names of each spring in the different locations. I follow the well-researched information in the books by Charles J Smith.

As with others, it is set below ground level but on private property so, putting on my Blipper's Cloak Of Confidence, I went up to the front door and asked politely if I might take photos from the garden.

There ensued a delightful conversation (at a safe distance) regarding the springs generally and the owner in particular, who is a professional gardener, hence this spring being well-maintained, surrounded by neat borders. In fact, I might avail myself of her services to put to right our back garden, badly neglected after our extension was built. She specialises in plants favouring bees and birds.* 


I took the photo from the other side of the garden, opposite the doorway (all the springheads have an access door); on the lintel is inscribed No 2 Fox Spring and the date, 1676 (see extra for detail). The model fox on the top is not original but added by the owner.

We then proceeded with our walk down to the Braid Burn Park and back up Cockmylane past the Cistern House.

A perfect Spring day!

* if anyone would like to consult her professionally she may be contacted on thebeekindgardener@gmail.com