Public Drinking Fountain 1859
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Public Drinking Fountain 1859
The opening ceremony for the first public drinking fountain in London, performed by Mrs Wilson, daughter of the Archbishop of Canterbury. The fountain was located at the south east corner of the churchyard of St Sepulchres church, Snow Hill (Holborn) and paid for by Samuel Gurney M.P. Moved in 1867, the fountain was partially returned to the original position in 1913, and there are plans to resore it to its original design and function
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Media ID 4455731
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10406548
1859 Ceremony Church Yard Fountain Gurney Holborn Opening Samuel Sepulchre
EDITORS COMMENTS
This photograph captures the historic moment of the opening ceremony for the first public drinking fountain in London, held on a sunny April day in 1859. The event took place at the south east corner of the churchyard of St. Sepulchre-without-Newgate, located in the bustling area of Holborn, near Snow Hill. The ceremony was officiated by Mrs. Wilson, the esteemed daughter of the Archbishop of Canterbury, in the presence of a large crowd. The fountain, a generous gift from Samuel Gurney, a prominent Member of Parliament, aimed to provide clean drinking water for the public, a necessity in the era before widespread access to running water. The fountain was initially located at the churchyard, but was later moved in 1867. In 1913, efforts were made to return the fountain to its original position, and there are ongoing plans to restore it to its original design and function. This photograph is an intriguing glimpse into the past, offering a glimpse of London's rich history and the innovative solutions that addressed the needs of its growing population. The image is a testament to the importance of community, philanthropy, and the desire for clean water, values that remain relevant today.
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