Cornhill Fountain

Cornhill Fountain in London is an interesting piece of Victorian architecture that often goes unnoticed. Installed in 1859, it was a gift from the businessman and philanthropist Charles Walker. The fountain is unique because it was intended to provide clean drinking water to the public and also served as a social gathering spot.

A fun fact about the Cornhill Fountain is that it features an inscription from the Bible, specifically Isaiah 55:1, which says, “Ho, everyone that thirsteth, come ye to the waters.” This inscription was meant to emphasize the fountain’s role in providing free and accessible water to everyone during a time when clean drinking water was not as readily available.

Another interesting detail is that the fountain’s location on Cornhill Street was chosen due to its proximity to the busy financial district, ensuring that the workers and passersby could easily access fresh water. Today, it stands as a reminder of the Victorian era’s efforts to improve public health and urban living conditions.