This year is the 400th anniversary of the discovery of Epsom salts.

Kicking off celebrations, Christ Church Epsom Common will be holding their Palm Sunday service at the original well on March 25, from 10am.

Local tradition tells how Epsom salts were discovered in water at Epsom Common in 1618.

A villager called Henry Wicker was looking after animals during a dry summer and there was a shortage of water for his cattle.

He found a trickle of water in the hollow of a cow’s hoof print and dug a hole. Returning the next day he found the hole was full with clear water.

However, his animals would not drink it because of its strong mineral taste.

This water proved to have medicinal properties and Epsom rapidly became a prosperous health resort and spa.

The original well was capped in the early 20th century but still exists within the Wells area, in Well Way.