The effects of lead poisoning are 'documented' in the Lambton Worm, a well-known legend in the north-east. The baby Worm is put in a well by the Lambton son and heir (called Jack of course!) and in due course poisons the water. Meanwhile Jack goes off for a mystical seven-year period on crusade to the Holy Land where he gained enough know-how to kill the worm, by now a full-size dragon.
The Lambton family, earls of Durham, has been cursed, perhaps they are held to be responsible for the pollution of the neighbouring River Wear. The family estate is close to the A1 Great North Road, east of Chester-le-Street, where lead mining has been carried out in the area since at least Roman times.
Nearby in Houghton-le-Spring excavations beneath St Michael's & All Angels church revealed mysterious boulders thought be the remains of a cairn or stone circle as well as Roman brickwork. Houghton takes its name from hoh meaning 'hill' apparently, uncannily similar to French hogue. It may be that the lead content permeating the water though known to be harmful to humans was useful for metalworking purposes.