The ancient conduit was first established in 1301 to provide a water supply from springs approximately a mile away at Aldershaw to the city.

In 1301 Henry the Bellfounder, son of Michael De Lichfield, bellfounder, granted these springs in perpetuity to the Friars of Lichfield

“for the use and solace of the fryers-minor in Lichfield, soe that they maye freely bring the aforesaid fountains into one or more places …  soe that the Fryers aforesaid grant noe Vessel of their water to any without speciall Lycence. ”

The water supply belonged to the Friars, but they granted a pipe for use at St. Johns Hospital the excess water from this supply was then conveyed to a larger conduit at the gates of the Friary for the use of the townsfolk.

 

It was named the Crucifix Conduit as the roof over the cistern was capped by an elaborate crucifix.