Handy Solution in the Days Before Running Water

Summary

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FROM EXETER'S ROYAL ALBERT MEMORIAL MUSEUM A SAFE and convenient water supply has long been a problem for Exeter. This was certainly the case in 17th century Exeter which had no running water. Bucket pots, such as this, were developed to carry water easily. The position of the handle makes it less likely to spill a heavy load.

This particular pot was found in Goldsmith Street, and was made in south Somerset. People would have to take their pots to nearby wells, fountains, or even the river to fill them. It is known that the area around Goldsmith Street (now beneath the Guildhall Shopping Centre) possessed many small wells and pits. These were often filled in and reopened. The pits would usually be filled with rubbish, which could then contaminate the water if the wells were reopened.

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Extract

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Handy Solution in the Days Before Running Water

Water contamination did, in a...

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