Monyash developed because of the availability of water. Its pools of standing water and springs are an unusual feature for a limestone area. Under the centre of the village lies a strip of boulder clay deposited during the last Ice Age which allowed pools to develop fed by several natural springs. Over time these pools were fashioned into meres (ponds). At one time the village had five meres and at least twenty wells providing a plentiful supply of water for both domestic and agricultural use. Only one mere now remains, Fere (pronounced Fear) Mere, situated behind the Primary School. The Village's name derives from 'many waters'.

Photograph by Robert Johnston