A 17th century city water cistern re-used as a folly on an 18th century landscaped private estate.

Carfax Conduit is a 17th century water cistern with extensive decorative stonework that once stood at Carfax in central Oxford, roughly in front of what is now Lloyd's bank. It was built in 1610 as the Oxford end of a scheme to supply clean water to the city via lead pipes from a spring on Harcourt Hill outside the city and it remained in place until 1787 when it was dismantled as part of a road widening scheme. It was then given to Earl Harcourt as a decorative folly for his estate at Nuneham Courtenay where it was placed at the top of a rise overlooking the Thames with a view towards Oxford.

This is a slight departure from the normal fare on this site in that it is not derelict, nor is it a typical urban explorers target. However it is of interest because it is on inaccessible private land and is normally difficult to view. These pictures were taken on a rare open day visit to the site in September 2007.

The plinth holds the cistern that once dispensed water to Oxford, while the sculptures above represent Classical figures and honour the monarchy of the day. The letters "O N" visible in the frieze are the initials of Otho Nicholson, a wealthy lawyer from London and an Oxford graduate, the benefactor who financed the water supply. The detail in the sculptures is amazing and with so many figures to look at you're spoiled for choice.

This site is on private land and access is not encouraged. Happily there are open days and arranged visits from time to time, this one was organised by the Oxford Preservation Trust. Hazards are nil on this site. The location is no secret, it's even marked on the OS map of the area.

http://www.streetmap.co.uk/streetmap.dll?G2M?X=453715&Y=197650&A=Y&Z=120