In the 18th century the Village was a popular bathing resort for Sunday afternoon outings although the waters were known to be treacherous. In the collection of the Spalding Gentlemen’s Society is a remarkable clock produced in the 1700s by William Bothimeley of Kirton.  Known as a tidal clock, there were two such timepieces –  one on either bank probably at Wash Inn and Wash House. These had various complications including a moon phase, calendar, the moon’s age and, most importantly, the state of the tide. The tide variant goes from flux, reflux, good riding, drovers wash, wash end and wash ends at Fosdyke. This gave travellers the opportunity to consider whether to cross or stay and have another pint. It seems that local guides used the clock to escort travellers over the river and the clock contains a list of prices for cattle, sheep, people or carriages.