The first drinking fountain, the place from which convicts were transported to Australia or an ancient stone - there is always something of interest to see in London. If all else fails, just look down at your feet and see if you’re standing on a coal hole.
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Street Furniture 1 2
Cattle Trough
The Metropolitan Drinking Fountain Association became The Metropolitan Drinking Fountain and Cattle Trough Association in 1867 when it started offering cattle troughs. Livestock was still arriving on foot in Smithfields meat market, so there was a real animal welfare need.
Smithfield EC1 and elsewhere
Tube: Barbican/Farringdon
Camel Benches
Continuing a theme originating with Cleopatra’s Needle, the 21m-tall obelisk on the Thames, benches along the Embankment are supported by Egyptian Sphinxes. At the end, kneeling camels take over the burden. Some trivia: from 1450 BC, the Needle is the oldest structure in London.
Victoria Embankment WC2
Tube: Westminster/Blackfriars
First Drinking Fountain
In 1859, The Metropolitan Drinking Fountain Association was set up by Samuel Gurney MP to offer free water and thus discourage alcoholic drinks. Many - like this first one - were set up opposite pubs. Set into the railings of St Sepulchre’s Church, it still retains two cups on a chain.
Giltspur Street EC1
Tube: St Paul’s
Millbank Buttress
‘Near this site stood Millbank Prison which was opened in 1816 and closed in 1890. This buttress stood at the head of the river steps from which, until 1867, prisoners sentenced to transportation embarked on their journey to Australia.’ The nearby Morpeth Arms pub was built to serve the prison warders.
Millbank SW1
Tube: Pimlico
Cannon Bollards
You may have noticed that many bollards in London take the shape of old cannon. This is because old guns were actually used at one time for the purpose, their muzzle stopped with a cannon ball. These four, at the old gate to the Royal Victoria Victualling Yards, Rotherhithe, are some of the few originals standing.
Grove Street SE8
Rail: Deptford
Policeman’s Hook
This hook on the wall near the Verve Bar is said to have been here since the 1870s and to have been used for holding a policeman’s cape. It’s a lovely story, so let’s hope it’s true - I can neither confirm nor deny it.
Great Newport Street WC2
Tube: Leicester Square
