Cornhill Fountain and Water Pump: A Historic Civic Landmark in London
A historic cast-iron water pump outside the Royal Exchange, symbolizing centuries of London's civic pride and public health innovation.
Situated outside 5-6 Royal Exchange in London, the Cornhill Fountain and Water Pump is a Grade II listed monument commemorating centuries of public health and civic enterprise. Originally erected in 1799 over a medieval well dating back to 1282, this cast-iron pump features emblems of historic fire insurance companies and symbolizes London's evolution in water supply and urban welfare. Recently restored, it stands as a tangible link to the city's rich medieval and Victorian heritage.
A brief summary to Cornhill Fountain
- 5-6 Royal Exchange, London, EC3V 3LT, GB
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Take time to examine the detailed emblems of the four historic fire insurance companies adorning the pump.
- Read the inscriptions on both sides of the pump to appreciate its layered history from medieval times to the 18th century.
- Visit nearby historic sites in the City of London to contextualize the pump within the area's rich commercial and civic heritage.
- Notice the restoration work revealing the original nougat-colored cast iron, a contrast to its former blue paint.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Information Boards
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
Getting There
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Public Transport
Take the London Underground to Bank Station, served by the Central, Northern, Waterloo & City, and DLR lines. From the station, it is a 5-10 minute walk along well-paved streets to the Royal Exchange area. The station is wheelchair accessible. Typical fare ranges from £2.50 to £6 depending on ticket type and time.
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Bus
Several London bus routes stop near Cornhill, including routes 8, 11, 21, and 26. Buses run frequently throughout the day with travel times varying by origin. Bus stops are located on nearby streets, and contactless payment is accepted. Services may be less frequent on weekends and public holidays.
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Taxi or Rideshare
Licensed London black cabs and rideshare services like Uber can drop you directly at 5-6 Royal Exchange. Travel times vary with traffic but typically range from 10 to 30 minutes from central London locations. Expect fares from £10 to £25 depending on distance and time of day.
Cornhill Fountain location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Cornhill Fountain
Ancient Origins and Rediscovery
The site of the Cornhill Fountain and Water Pump holds a remarkable history stretching back to medieval London. A well was first documented here in 1282, dug under the direction of Henry Wallis, then Mayor of London. This well was part of a complex that included a House of Correction, a place where vagrants were put to work as part of social reform efforts. Over time, the well and the House of Correction fell into disuse and were demolished around 1380, with the well itself forgotten beneath the city streets for centuries.18th-Century Revival and Civic Collaboration
In 1799, during pavement works near the Royal Exchange, the ancient well was rediscovered, still containing high-quality water. This discovery inspired the ward of Cornhill to erect a cast-iron water pump on the site, financed through an unprecedented collaboration among prominent City institutions. The Bank of England, the East India Company, local bankers, traders, and four fire insurance companies—the Sun, Phoenix, London, and Royal Exchange—jointly sponsored the pump. This reflected a collective commitment to public health and urban infrastructure before municipal water systems were established.Design and Symbolism
The pump is notable for its metronome-shaped cast-iron design, featuring three protective spikes above the spout to deter misuse. Its four sides bear the emblems of the sponsoring fire insurance companies, each of which operated private fire brigades in Victorian London. These symbols served as a form of 18th-century branding, reminding locals of the companies’ presence and civic role. The inscriptions on the pump narrate its history, commemorating both the medieval origins of the well and the 18th-century resurrection of the site.Restoration and Contemporary Significance
By the early 2000s, the pump had deteriorated due to centuries of exposure to weather and urban conditions. A comprehensive restoration completed in 2015 returned the pump to its original nougat-colored cast iron finish, replacing the blue livery it had worn for decades. This restoration preserved the pump as a Grade II listed monument, ensuring its survival as a historical artifact. Though no longer functional as a water source, it remains a powerful symbol of London's medieval past and Victorian civic pride.Context within London's Urban History
Cornhill itself is one of London's oldest thoroughfares, historically central to commerce and travel routes. The pump’s location near the Royal Exchange situates it at a significant junction connecting major routes across the city and beyond. The site also reflects broader themes in London's history, including the evolution of public health infrastructure, the role of private fire insurance companies, and the transition from medieval to modern urban governance.Legacy and Cultural Importance
The Cornhill Fountain and Water Pump stand as enduring reminders of the city's commitment to public welfare through centuries of change. It commemorates the collaborative spirit of London's financial and civic institutions in addressing practical needs like clean water. The monument also connects present-day visitors with stories of medieval social reform, Victorian philanthropy, and the development of modern firefighting services, making it a unique historical landmark in the heart of London.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Location Audience
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- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
