From a rude but interesting etching in Park’s ‘History of Hampstead,’ of some parts of the domestic buildings, the only relics of it remaining, and which were standing in 1722, no idea can be formed of the appearance of the conventual structure, the site of which was distinguishable at the beginning of the present century by a rising bank in what was called the Abbey Fields, near the Tea Gardens. No doubt the Kilburn well, a mild chalybeate, was one of the so-called holy wells with which the vicinity of London abounded in Catholic times. But it was not until 1714 that some speculator bethought him of converting the slightly-medicated waters to use. [Illustration: _The George Inn before 1870._] The spring or well is situated at the south-western extremity of the parish of Hampstead. It rises about 12 feet below the surface, and is enclosed in a large brick reservoir, with the date cut in the keystone of the arch over the door. It is a simple saline water with too little iron to give it the character of a true chalybeate, as may be easily imagined when we read that in 1813 it was used chiefly for the domestic purposes of the adjoining tavern. In 1773 the Kilburn wells were attached to a tea-drinking house, ‘well known to the holiday folk of London,’ the advertisement of which, transcribed by Park from the _Public Advertiser_ in the July of that year, is amusing: ‘KILBURN WELLS, NEAR PADDINGTON.—The waters now in the utmost perfection; the gardens enlarged and greatly improved; the house and offices repaired and beautified in the most elegant manner. ‘The whole is now opened for the reception of the public, the great room being particularly adapted to the use and amusement of the politest companies; fit for music, dancing, or entertainments. ‘This happy spot, celebrated for its rural situation, extensive prospects, and the acknowledged efficacy of its waters, is most delightfully situated on the _scite (sic) of the once famous Abbey of Kilburn_, on the Edgware Road, at an easy distance, being but a _morning’s walk_ from the Metropolis, two miles from Oxford Street, the footway from Marybone across the fields still nearer. A plentiful larder is always provided, together with the best of wines and other liqueurs. ‘Breakfasting and hot loaves. ‘A printed account of the waters, as drawn up by an eminent physician, is given gratis at the Wells.’ Brewer tells us that this house was much frequented by holiday people from London.