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	A Springs Timeline... 1874 - The Springs Hotel is constructed after the potential of the site was discovered by a member of the Royal Household 1912 - Substantial additions including the Winter Gardens and an oak panelled library. 1973 - International pop star, Ian Gillan of the band Deep Purple purchases the house and constructs a guitar-shaped pool.
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The Springs is a fine example of a Victorian-style country house. Constructed in 1874, it overlooks a spring-fed lake set in rolling parkland.

Roman Settlement...
The Springs Hotel is considered by archaeologists to be on a site of a Roman forum (a place of assembly) within a Roman settlement. Indeed it is thought that the bank on which the house stands may have served as a Roman Vallum against invasion.

Diplomats and Royalty...
Sir Alexander Condie Stephens, KCMG - a member of the Royal Household spotted thepotential of the site with its wonderful views of the Thames Valley, and in 1874 built the Springs, one of the first houses in England to be built in the Mock Tudor style. Soon it became a popular weekend residence for diplomats and royalty. Its royal links continued when, years later, the Prince of Wales (King Edward VIII) became a frequent visitor.

Winter gardens and decorative ceilings...
In 1912 the house was bought by Sir John Wormald, who made substantial additions to the house including the glass-enclosed Winter Garden, now known as the Lakeside Restaurant, and an oak panelled library. The decorative ceiling he put into the dining room (now the Lord Nelson Room) was a copy from the Scottish hunting Lodge of King James I. This original has since been destroyed by fire and the copy at the Springs remains the only example.

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