It is located atop the steep banks of the River Dee as it turns the meadows bend for the last time around the 'Earls Eye' before flowing into Chester.

The name 'Boughton' or 'bluestone' may have originated from the placement of a blue boundary stone (now lost) alongside the road similar to the Gloverstone which stood outside Chester Castle.

The water was piped directly into the centre of the Roman fortress of Deva (present day Chester).

It was discovered by workmen in 1821 toppled over in a field (now lost) called 'The Daniels' near the present day water works.

In medieval times the area was home to Spital Boughton, a community which grew around a Leper hospital founded there in the 12th century by Ranulph de Gernon, 2nd Earl of Chester.

Founded early in the 12th century and endowed by successive Norman earls of Chester they remained in constant use until 1643.

In 1644 the royalist defenders suffered great loss of life in a gallant sortie in Boughton and many of the fallen were buried here.

When Protestant martyr George Marsh was burned at the stake on gallows hill close by his ashes were collected by his friends and buried here.

The 'Lead Shot Tower', where molten lead was once dropped over 40 metres to form perfect spheres for use in guns, is today a landmark.