TUCKED away off Old Heath Road in Colchester is a tranquil pond, surrounded by attractive new houses.

Now a peaceful spot to watch wildlife, Distillery Pond, off Distillery Lane, is steeped in history.

Back in 1812, Messrs Bawtree and Savill pumped £40,000 into a gin distillery in Distillery Lane, which fast became one of the biggest in Britain.

It is estimated that Colchester produced 50,000 gallons of alcohol every year.

The pond was first created as a source for the gin and the water stems from a sweet water spring.

Albany Gardens, consisting of 160 homes, now overlooks the pond, but originally the site was home to Distillery Mill.