“Wheels soaked. Spokes tightened.” That was the motto of the Barkway Carriage Wash. It stands as an early version of today’s car wash. We are standing before the Remains of Carriage Wash now.
This structure isn’t just old it dates back to around 1600. Back then, Barkway was a vital stop for coaches traveling between London and northern England.
Imagine the scene. Horse-drawn carriages rumble into this very spot needing a clean. The Remains of Carriage Wash had two important jobs. It cleaned the wheels and nameplates. It also soaked the wooden wheels. Soaking prevented the wood from shrinking and the metal rims from falling off.
The design of the Remains of Carriage Wash is quite clever. Water flowed from an underground channel right under the road. This channel led to a brick-lined structure. The slope at one end made it easy to drive in. The depth was perfect. Wheels were submerged but the carriage stayed dry. Brick walls held the water in place.
Interestingly the Remains of Carriage Wash stayed in use for a long time. Even as cars replaced carriages, it served a purpose. Locals used it to fill steam tractors well into the 20th century.
Look closely at the brickwork. The side walls were rebuilt in the 18th or 19th century. They are made of red brick and laid in English bond. Notice the brick coping and regularly spaced buttresses.
The nearby Church of St Mary Magdalene shares a similar style. Its churchyard wall was built around the same time. This creates a sense of harmony in the area.
The Remains of Carriage Wash eventually became unused. It partially filled with silt. However a survey in 2020 revealed more about its original water source. Brick-lined culverts led from ponds about 40 meters to the north. These supplied the water.
Take a moment to appreciate this unique structure. The Remains of Carriage Wash is more than just old bricks. It is a reminder of a time when horse-drawn carriages ruled the roads. It is a testament to the ingenuity of past generations. They solved practical problems with simple yet effective solutions. This humble carriage wash played a vital role in keeping the wheels of commerce and travel turning smoothly.