Scheduled MonumentsEnglandHobson's Conduit

Hobson's Conduit

England
List entry 1006912
Nation
England
Boundary

Scheduled area

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Overview

History & significance

Hobson's Conduit is a sixteenth-century water supply system constructed in Cambridge to serve the expanding town. Built by Thomas Hobson, a prominent carrier and benefactor, the conduit brought fresh water from springs at Hobson's Choice (now Nine Wells) to the market place and other parts of the medieval town centre. The system comprised underground pipes and brick conduits that channelled water across approximately one and a half miles, representing a significant engineering achievement of the Elizabethan period. The conduit head structures and surviving sections of the original system remain important examples of early modern municipal infrastructure and urban water management in England.

Hobson's Conduit is a scheduled monument protected by Historic England under reference 1006912. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Hobson's Conduit?

Hobson's Conduit is a sixteenth-century water supply system constructed in Cambridge to serve the expanding town. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic England (NHLE) under reference 1006912.

Who is responsible for protecting Hobson's Conduit?

Hobson's Conduit is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, legally protected by Historic England (NHLE) — the body responsible for designating and safeguarding heritage sites in England. The official designation reference is 1006912.

What other scheduled monuments are near Hobson's Conduit?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Settlement NW of Little Shelford (5.6 km), Money Hill Round Barrow Cemetery (7.5 km), Settlement site at Manor Farm (8.3 km).

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