SIR. Your article "Open day for all cistern addicts" (April 4) attracted more than 50 visitors to Coombe Conduit on Easter Day - a record number for a single afternoon.

All were amazed to learn the history and see the operation of this little-known 16th century Kingston treasure, where the springs that supplied water to Henry VIII's palace at Hampton Court can still be seen bubbling out into lead-lined underground cisterns.

For those who missed the opportunity to see Coombe Conduit at Easter, the Kingston Society which manages the property for English Heritage, will be opening it on the second Sunday of every month until September, from 2pm to 4pm, and on Heritage Open Days on September 8 and 9 from 11am to 4pm.

MICHAEL DAVISON, Vice-President, Kingston upon Thames Society