Baroness Burdett Coutts Drinking Fountain

Baroness Burdett Coutts Drinking Fountain is an octagonal granite structure in Victoria Park in East London with red granite pillars arranged in a symmetrical design. The fountain features distinctive Gothic Revival elements and stands as a substantial presence within the park landscape.

Designed by architect Henry Darbishire in 1862 and funded by wealthy philanthropist Angela Burdett-Coutts, the fountain was built to provide East London residents with access to clean drinking water. It was created during a period when London was expanding rapidly and clean water supply had become a major public concern.

The fountain bears the name of the wealthy philanthropist who commissioned it and reflects Victorian commitment to public health. Visitors can see how the elaborate design once conveyed the importance of clean water access to local communities.

The fountain stands in Victoria Park in Tower Hamlets and is easy to reach from the Hackney Gate, making the location straightforward to find. As a listed monument it no longer distributes water, but offers visitors a calm place to pause and view the architectural details.

The elaborate design of this fountain combines artistic architecture with practical purpose in a way that set it apart from other public works of its era. This approach reflected the belief that even utilitarian structures deserved aesthetic care and craftsmanship.