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.
Media related to Baroness Burdett Coutts drinking fountain at Wikimedia Commons
London51°32′13″N 0°02′23″W / 51.53707°N 0.03965°W / 51.53707; -0.03965
