Imagine beer being safer than water. It was once a reality here in London. We’re standing at London’s first drinking fountain.
This drinking fountain marks a pivotal moment in London’s history. It sits near St Sepulchre-without-Newgate church on Holborn Viaduct. This fountain tells a story of disease, philanthropy and the fight for clean water.
In the mid-19th century London’s water was heavily polluted. Rapid population growth and unregulated water companies caused this. Cholera outbreaks were common. Many considered beer a safer option than water.
The Metropolis Water Act of 1852 sought to improve water quality. It stopped companies from taking water from the tidal Thames. That is where sewage was dumped. Filtration became compulsory. A new sewer system was built.
In 1859 Samuel Gurney MP and Edward Wakefield founded the Metropolitan Free Drinking Fountain Association. They aimed to provide free water for people and animals. The association later became the Metropolitan Drinking Fountain and Cattle Trough Association.
This first fountain opened in April 1859. It was funded by Gurney. Up to 7000 people used it daily. The fountain is made of marble and stone. It has two cups on chains. The top inscription says “The gift of Sam Gurney MP 1859”. Another reminds users to “replace the cup”. An inscription notes its removal during the Holborn Viaduct construction in 1867. It was reinstated in 1913.
The church and Temperance movement strongly supported drinking fountains. Many were placed near churches and opposite pubs. This fountain offered an alternative to alcohol.
The association built 85 more fountains in the next six years. Some included cattle troughs. These were vital near Smithfield Market. Horses, dogs and cattle needed water. The troughs became so important they were added to maps. Victorians called them filling stations.
Today the society exists as the Drinking Fountain Association. It still builds and maintains fountains.
While the water is now off, this fountain remains. It stands as a reminder of London’s past. It shows how far we’ve come in providing clean water for all. Take a moment to appreciate this simple yet significant structure. It represents a victory for public health and social reform.