Australia House, the London building home to the country’s diplomatic High Commission, stands over a 900-year-old spring, and it’s safe to drink.
New laboratory tests have shown that the water, which is only accessible via a manhole cover deep in the bowels of the famous building, is entirely drinkable.
Australia’s High Commissioner to the UK, Alexander Downer took a crack team from the ABC down to the so-called ‘holy well’ for a program which aired on Sunday, explaining the spring’s fascinating history and significance.
“These wells were of great significance, particularly back in the, Middle Ages,” Downer said.
“They were used for ceremonial purposes and plays were performed around the well.
“And as a result of that, this part of London evolved as an area where theatres were built.”
According to well researcher David Furlong, the first known mention of the spring is thought to be by a monk as far back as the twelfth century.
Still, we’ll stick to the wine and beer normally served up to visitors at Australia House events.
Australia House fun-fact: It was featured in the first Harry Potter film, starring as Gringott’s Wizarding Bank.
TOP IMAGE: Australia House in London (Via Shutterstock.com)
