Thurrock in the 18th and 19th century had a number of commercial water wells, along side the numerous domestic house wells. In Fobbing parish, Vange Well no. 5 survives as a ruin. This well head once formed part of a series of wells.

Mineral water was first found in the area from a well sunk to the rear of Hovells Farm House, Vange in 1899. But the water, although seemingly clear, was found to have a peculiar taste and smell and when boiled, left a sediment and it was not used. However 1900 was a dry year and the farmer used the water for his cattle which thrived.

Edwin Cash, owner of the plot of land on higher ground and licensee of The Angel Islington, approached the farmer with a future commercial venture in mind.

A sample of the water was tested and found to be high in mineral content. But it was not until 1919, when Mr. Cash retired from The Angel, that he decided to develop his commercial interest. Sinking another well alongside the first, he also erected a large wooden ex-Army hut, surplus from the Great War, close to the two well heads.

The hut was used to store bottles and to bottle the water for sale. the bottles made of thick glass, some of which had been embossed just below the neck. A paper label featuring a signed reproduction photograph of Edwin Cash, verifying the authenticity of the product, was also attached to the bottles. Neither a complete sample bottle nor label have been located at present, but if anyone knows of one we would be interested to see and photograph one.

Many people visited the wells and the bottling plant was said to be very busy. Mr. Cash obtained a further analysis on the water from Dr. John C. Thresh - Consulting Medical Officer for Health for Essex. the analysis and a comparison with Hockley Spa Water was obtained, and published in The Lancet of December 1922.

Around the early part of 1920, Mr. Cash advertised his business address as Vange Wells, Vange Corner Estate, London Road, Fobbing. A further bottle label of March 1923 indicates the company was registered as The Vange Water Co. Ltd, Foster Lane, Cheapside, London EC2.

On March 24, 1923, the Grays and Tilbury Gazette advertised Vange Water sold in all local chemists priced at 2s 3d a bottle (pictured).

Two more, but unsuccessful, wells were sunk between 1900 and 1923, but Number 5 was successful and an elaborate structure was designed, made of brick and rendered, with a domed roof which was built over the well head as a feature, the remains of which can be seen today.

The Vange Water Co Ltd ceased trading possibly in late 1924. It is believed this was due to suspected contamination of the water by drainage from a sanatorium for tuberculosis treatment of young people mainly from the London area and sited higher up the hillside.