Spanish Period

Apart from constructing some more wells, (ie there was a Noria Well near the Alameda) the Spaniards constructed an aqueduct in 1571, following on part of the route of the Moorish one, to convey water from Rosia Road to Fountain Ramp at the town centre. The works, engineered by a Jesuit under the patronage of the Conde de la Corsana, comprised two underground reservoirs one of 68 cubic metres and the other of 38 cubic metres capacity at Rosia Road, receiving rain water and ground water percolating from the Alameda sands.

Works were extended in 1694 by a third reservoir holding 35 cubic metres at Rosia Road and a fountain incorporating 50 cubic metres overflow reservoir at the town centre. The face of this fountain can presently be seen set against the fortification walls at the Boulevard near the Community Centre. The aqueduct has a length of some 1,220 metres and consists of arched galleries to which were entrances by eight shafts. Only one shaft is currently visible at Rosia Road.