Ponds and history

The need for fresh water

Before the days when fresh water was piped to our homes, people had to live near a river, stream, well or spring from which they could get their water. They could also build a pond. Ponds were used for washing, cooking, drinking and watering livestock, and villages therefore tended to grow around ponds. The local fire brigade used the pond too!

Farm ponds

Water was especially necessary on farms for cattle, sheep, horses and watering crops in a dry summer.

Productive ponds

In the middle ages, ponds were used by monks and villagers to rear fish and ducks for eating. Reeds were also grown for thatching, and osier willow and rushes for weaving.

Mill ponds

These were made by damming a stream and they held the energy to turn a water wheel. As the wheel turned, corn was ground to make flour - a major invention! Water wheels were also used to power other machines used in weaving or metal working, for example.

Ponds and travelling

Herdsmen and people travelling by horse would find refreshment for themselves and their animals at ponds along the route. Constable's painting The Haywain shows cartwheels being soaked in a pond to stop them cracking on a journey in the heat of the sun.

Ponds, witches and petty criminals

People accused of minor criminal offences were often dunked in ponds as punishment. Also, suspected witches were thrown in the pond to see if they floated or not. If they floated, people's suspicions were confirmed; if they drowned they were presumed innocent!

Ponds and war

Training exercises for soldiers were sometimes carried out using ponds during the war. Some ponds were also drained or camouflaged with branches so that they weren't reflective landmarks at night for enemy planes.

Activities

1. Historical pictures

You could draw a picture or create a frieze of an old-fashioned farm or village pond, with the people and animals who used it.

2. Old ponds

Do you know any old ponds in your area? Are there ponds marked on local maps? Check to see whether they are still there. Look at OS maps or even the Domesday Book. See the County Records Office or local library for details.

3. Drama

Be creative! Themes might include moving like animals and saving/developing/conserving a pond. Kneehigh or other local theatre companies could assist.

4. Dozmary Pool

Investigate the historical evidence or legends. Arthurian legends are not the only ones!

Pond Pack Introduction Why study ponds? Pond-dipping Safety for teachers Safety for kids Animal variety Moving and breathing Cycles of life Webs of life Plant life Maths English Geography History Art and design Make a pond Plant identification Animal identification Activity sheets Bug dial Where to go Acknowledgements EDUCATION NATURE SEARCH . . . . . . . . .