Sounds like a horrendous installation, Woody. Obviously I can't comment on the state of the supply cable, but You can at least make it safer.
Make sure the whole house is protected by an RCD... then ...
Install an earth rod just outside the house, as close as possible to the position of the consumer unit. Connect with 16mm earth cable.
NEVER rely on water pipes. That went out years ago. But... any incoming METAL water pipe should be bonded to the house earth (10mm cable).
It's essential that the external impedance of the earth rod is then measured. It should be no more than 100 ohms.