Drinking Fountain, Streatham High Road

Image: © Stephen Richards Taken: Unknown

Situated on the Green between the High Road and Mitcham Lane, the red and white stone Gothic fountain was designed in 1862 by the artist, William Dyce, who lived locally. It was moved from the junction of the two roads to its present location in the 1930s when the High Road was widened. The inscription reads, "For I will pour water on him that thirsts." The Green has recently been renovated and one of the trendy new seats can be seen on the right. The outdoor drinkers can now luxuriate in style. It is within the Streatham High Road and Streatham Hill Conservation Area. The course of Streatham High Road has been a major highway between London and Sussex since Roman times. Its current appearance is largely attributable to two major spells of development. The first was during the late C19th following the opening of Streatham Hill station in 1856, and the second was after 1911 when the line to Victoria was electrified. Though much-maligned and undoubtedly blighted by heavy traffic, closer examination reveals that the road is lined with a number of interesting buildings, some of which reflect the period between the wars when Streatham was a fashionable centre of entertainment. Information from Lambeth Council (http://www.lambeth.gov.uk/NR/exeres/CE4B5CE1-0387-40ED-B5A9-273A5160C34A.htm ).

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