Cornhill Fountain
A Victorian monument to public health and civic enterprise, standing where medieval wells once quenched medieval London.
A striking cast-iron and bronze monument standing outside the Royal Exchange, the Cornhill Fountain represents two centuries of London's commitment to public welfare. Originally erected in 1911 to commemorate the jubilee of the Metropolitan Drinking Fountain and Cattle Trough Association, this Grade II listed structure replaced an earlier drinking fountain from 1859. The fountain's ornate design, crafted from polished granite and bronze, serves as a tangible reminder of Victorian philanthropy and the city's pioneering efforts to provide clean, accessible water to all residents.
A brief summary to Cornhill Fountain
- 5-6 Royal Exchange, London, EC3V 3LT, GB
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.25 to 1 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Examine the inscriptions on all four sides of the fountain carefully. The roadside inscription records the well's medieval origins from 1282, while the reverse side documents its 18th-century resurrection in 1799. The emblems of the four fire insurance companies—Sun, Phoenix, London, and Royal Exchange—tell the story of Victorian corporate sponsorship.
- Visit during weekday mornings (9–11 AM) when the surrounding area is less crowded, allowing for unobstructed viewing and photography. The fountain's nougat-coloured cast iron photographs particularly well in natural daylight.
- Combine your visit with exploration of the Royal Exchange building itself, located immediately adjacent. The fountain's location at this historic junction provides context for understanding London's medieval street layout and the importance of this crossroads.
- Research the history of the fire insurance plaques that once adorned London properties. Several surviving examples can still be spotted on buildings throughout the City, and understanding this system enriches appreciation of the fountain's emblems.
- Note the three protective spikes above the fountain's spout—a Victorian design feature that served both practical and humorous purposes, reflecting the sensibilities of the era in which it was created.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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London Underground (Tube)
Bank station (Northern, Central, and District lines) is approximately 150 metres away, with a walking time of 2–3 minutes. Exit towards the Royal Exchange and follow signs to Cornhill. This is the most frequent and reliable option, with trains running every 2–5 minutes during peak hours and every 5–10 minutes off-peak. No additional cost beyond your Travelcard or contactless payment.
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Walking from Liverpool Street
Liverpool Street station is approximately 400 metres away, with a walking time of 5–7 minutes. Head south from the station towards Bishopsgate, then turn west onto Cornhill. The route is entirely on level pavement through busy commercial streets. This option is free and allows you to experience the surrounding historic City of London architecture.
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Bus
Multiple bus routes serve the area, including routes 8, 11, 25, 40, 42, 47, 48, and 133, which stop near the Royal Exchange on Cornhill. Journey times vary from 10–25 minutes depending on traffic and starting point. Buses run frequently throughout the day. Cost is included in your Travelcard or approximately £1.75 for a single cash fare.
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Taxi or Rideshare
Taxis and rideshare services can drop you directly at the Royal Exchange on Cornhill. Journey times from central London typically range from 10–20 minutes depending on traffic conditions. Costs vary widely but expect £8–20 from nearby locations. Parking is extremely limited in this area; rideshare is more practical than driving your own vehicle.
Cornhill Fountain location weather suitability
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Any Weather
Discover more about Cornhill Fountain
A Monument to Public Health Innovation
The Cornhill Fountain stands as a physical embodiment of Victorian-era social reform and public health advancement. Unveiled on May 3, 1911, by Sir T. Vezey Strong, the Lord Mayor of London, this special-design fountain was erected to commemorate the 50th jubilee of the Metropolitan Drinking Fountain and Cattle Trough Association. The structure represents a pivotal moment in London's history when providing free, clean drinking water to the working classes was considered a revolutionary act of civic responsibility. During the mid-19th century, London's water supply was notoriously contaminated. The River Thames, while essential for trade, was heavily polluted, and water drawn from wells often passed beneath graveyards, picking up dangerous bacteria from decomposing remains. Cholera outbreaks and waterborne diseases claimed countless lives, particularly among the poor who had no access to alternative sources. The establishment of the Metropolitan Drinking Fountain and Cattle Trough Association in 1859 by philanthropists Samuel Gurney and Edward Wakefield marked a turning point in public health policy.Medieval Origins and Centuries of Forgotten History
The site itself carries far deeper historical significance than the fountain's 1911 date suggests. Historical records indicate that a well was first established on this spot in 1282 by Henry Wallis, the Mayor of London. Alongside the well stood a House of Correction, a facility where vagrants and the idle poor were sent to reform their character through labour. For nearly a century, both structures served the local community, but by around 1380, both the well and the House of Correction fell into disrepair and were demolished. For more than four centuries, the ancient well lay buried beneath the pavement, its existence erased from collective memory. The location remained unremarkable until 1799, when workmen sinking the pavement near the Royal Exchange's front gate made an extraordinary discovery: the medieval well, still containing water of excellent quality. This rediscovery sparked immediate action. The ward of Cornhill seized the opportunity to erect a pump at the site, financing the project through an unprecedented collaboration of major institutions including the Bank of England, the East India Company, local bankers, traders, and four fire insurance companies—the Sun, Phoenix, London, and Royal Exchange.Victorian Craftsmanship and Symbolic Emblems
The fountain's design reflects the architectural ambitions and commercial pride of the Victorian era. Crafted from polished granite and bronze, the structure cost £1,000 to erect—a substantial sum in 1911—with additional expenses of £199 and 10 shillings. The four sides of the fountain display the emblems of the fire insurance companies that had sponsored the original 1799 pump. These logos served a dual purpose: they commemorated the institutions' civic contribution while functioning as a form of 18th-century corporate sponsorship. The fire insurance companies represented on the fountain operated private firefighting brigades, and property owners who insured with these companies received cast-iron plaques displaying the company's emblem to affix to their buildings. If a fire occurred, the brigades would check for the appropriate plaque before extinguishing the blaze. This system, while seemingly mercenary by modern standards, represented an innovative approach to fire prevention and property protection in an era before municipal fire services existed. The London Fire Engine Establishment was not formed until 1833, and the government did not assume control of firefighting until 1865, establishing the London Fire Brigade.Restoration and Contemporary Significance
By the early 2000s, the fountain had deteriorated significantly, its condition reflecting centuries of exposure to London's weather and urban environment. A comprehensive restoration undertaken in 2015 returned the structure to its former splendour. The work revealed details that had been obscured by age and neglect, restoring the fountain's original nougat-coloured cast iron—a striking contrast to the blue livery it had worn in more recent decades. In 1989, the bronze sculptural figure adorning the fountain was stolen. A replacement figure was commissioned and sculpted by Stephen Melton, unveiled by the Lord Mayor in November 1993 at a cost of £25,000. This restoration effort underscored the community's commitment to preserving this Grade II listed monument for future generations.A Landmark at a Historic Crossroads
The fountain's location at the junction of four major thoroughfares—Cornhill, Gracechurch Street, Bishopsgate, and Leadenhall Street—has made it a significant landmark for centuries. Cornhill itself ranks among London's most ancient streets, possibly with Roman origins, and was named after the historic corn market that once operated here during the medieval period. The junction served as a major hub for travel across the country, with routes leading south to London Bridge, east towards the coast, north into the Midlands, and west into the heart of the City. The fountain continues to function as a symbol of London's evolution from a city plagued by contaminated water and preventable disease to a modern metropolis with comprehensive public health infrastructure. Though it no longer delivers water from the ancient well, it remains a tangible link to London's medieval past and Victorian civic pride, inviting visitors to pause and reflect on the progress achieved through collective commitment to public welfare.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Unique
- Scenic
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
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For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
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For the view chaser and sunset hunter
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For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
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For the eco-conscious traveler
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For the kind of experience you’re after
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For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
