The Baroness Burdett Coutts Drinking Fountain (also known as the Victoria Fountain) is a Grade II* listed drinking fountain situated in Victoria Park, London.
The fountain was designed in 1862 by Henry Astley Darbsihire and erected by Baroness Burdett Coutts at a cost of £5,000. [1] The fountain is made out of granite, and is a 28 feet (8.5 m) diameter octagon with 60 feet (18 m) red granite columns, in the Gothic style, and is situated near to the Hackney gate of the park. [2] [3] The opening of the fountain in 1862 was attended by 10,000 spectators. [4] [5] The year after the fountain was installed, The Illustrated London News called Victoria Park the best people's park in London, due to its facilities such as the fountain. [6] In his Dictionary of London, Charles Dickens, Jr. described the fountain as "beautiful". [7]
In 1975, the fountain was given Grade II* listed status by Historic England. [8] In 2011, the fountain was refurbished as part of a major restoration of Victoria Park. [9] The fountain is no longer in public use. [10]
Baroness Burdett Coutts Drinking Fountain.