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