Waggoners Wells

The middle pond

Waggoners Wells is a series of man-made ponds, linked by a common stream, between Ludshott Common to the north-west and Bramshott Common to the south-east. They lie amongst woodland in a steep valley between the commons. The ponds are part of the National Trust's Ludshott Common nature reserve.

The original name of the series of ponds was Wakeners' Wells. They were created in the 17th century by the Hooke family of Bramshott. They were possibly originally intended as hammer ponds, that is, to serve the local iron industry, but they appear never to have been so used. The woodland surrounding the ponds is notable for its mature beech trees.

Vehicular access to the ponds is by way of Waggoners Wells Lane from Grayshott as far as the ford and a small car park beyond; the lane originally continued south-eastwards to Kingswood Lane, and thence to the London to Portsmouth road (the A3), but today only a footpath through the woodland remains.

Catch and release fishing for carp, roach, tench, perch and other species is a popular pursuit, as is nature rambling and birdwatching.

Summerden

Plaque to the composition of Flower in the Crannied Wall

The stream that emerges from the pond furthest to the south-west is called Cooper's Stream. The house situated at the bottom of the ponds is Summerden and is a private residence of the National Trust warden of the area. Near it is a wishing well, mentioned by Flora Thompson in her writings of the locality, and recorded by a National Trust plaque as being the place at which Alfred, Lord Tennyson was inspired to compose his short poem Flower in the Crannied Wall. The stream flowing from Waggoners Wells runs west to Standford, around the west of Headley, and eventually into the River Wey. The stream powered many mills that worked ironworks, including Headley Mill. Paper mills were also run along the water that flowed from Waggoners Wells.

The gatefold photo of Fleetwood Mac's 1973 album Penguin was shot on location at Waggoners Wells.

Location

• Location map: 51°6’6"N, 0°46’25"W
• Streetmap: SU859343

Outside links

("Wikimedia Commons" has material about Waggoners Wells)