It is believed that the name Bermondsey derived from Beormond's eyot, the name of the Saxon lord who owned the eyot.

Bermondsey evolved in the 18th and 19th centuries and its proximity to London's riverside wharves enabled it to establish industries such as tanning, calico making, brewing and horticulture.

When 18th century publican Thomas Keyse created gardens to combine health and entertainment the discovery of a spring in the grounds of his tavern led to the decision to call his gardens a 'Spa'. Physicians prescribed the Bermondsey Water at Bermondsey Spa to their patients as they felt they had 'valuable tonic properties'