Description

TQ 2680 NW BAYSWATER ROAD, W2

65/51 Drinking fountain opposite
Elms Mews

II

Drinking fountain. Dated 1872, provided by the Metropolitan Drinking Fountain and
Cattle Trough Association. Cleaned and restored c1989. Pink granite with grey
granite step. Battered base with rectangular column having segmental arched niche
for spout and semi-circular basin. Surmounted by cross roofs giving a pediment to
each face. Inscribed "January 1872" above niche, "J.E.D" in niche and "Know
thyself" under basin. A typical example taken from the Association's catalogue. The
Metropolitan Free Drinking Fountain Association (Cattle Trough added 1867) provided
free fresh water to many humans and beasts at a time when ale and spirits were
easier to obtain than water and most supplies contaminated. The Christian
association of water with purity of spirit led evangelical Victorians to become
patrons of the Association which provided a catalogue of functional designs although
some wealthy patrons used their own.

Listing NGR: TQ2663180739

External Links

• Historic England Listing
• Wikidata Q26567212

External links are from the relevant listing authority and, where applicable, Wikidata. Wikidata IDs may be related buildings as well as this specific building. If you want to add or update a link, you will need to do so by editing the Wikidata entry.

Recommended Books

• 
  London 4: North: North v. 4 (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
• 
  Norfolk 1: Norwich and North-East: Norwich and North-east v. 1 (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
• 
  Listed Buildings: The Law and Practice of History Buildings, Ancient Monuments and Conservation Areas
• 
  Georgian Style and Design for Contemporary Living
• 
  Old House Care and Repair
• 
  Huddersfield in 50 Buildings