Royal ear syringer has his fountain restored
A pioneering ear surgeon of the 19th century who was responsible for syringing Queen Victoria’s ears has been celebrated with the restoration of a fountain in Wimbledon, writes Claudia Lee.
Joseph Toynbee, who died in 1866 was one of 15 children and rose to lead the first ear and throat disease department at St Mary’s Hospital, Paddington.
During this time his responsibilities included syringing Queen Victoria’s ears.
Toynbee moved to Wimbledon in 1854 and took an interest in the history of the area.
He strongly opposed Earl Spencer’s plan to enclose the land that later became Wimbledon Common and he also founded the Metropolitan Association for Improving the Dwellings of the Working Classes.
Dr Nicola Stacey, director of the Heritage of London Trust, said: “Joseph Toynbee was a philanthropist but few knew how much he had contributed to the people of Wimbledon.”
He died from accidental inhalation of chloroform as part of an experiment on managing ear pain.
The historic fountain was repaired with new taps, piping and clean stonework by a team from London Stone Conservation.
Heritage of London Trust gave a grant of £10,000 towards the restoration work, with an additional £11,020 in funding from the Merton Council Community Infrastructure Levy fund.
On March 6, a crowd gathered at the fountain for the reopening with speeches by Dr Stacey and Cllr Eleanor Stringer, Deputy Leader and cabinet member for civic pride at Merton council.
Joseph Toynbee’s great, great grand-daughters – Journalist Polly Toynbee and her cousin Celia Toynbee – were in attendance to cut the ribbon alongside Year 9 pupils from Ursuline High School in Crescent Road,
Wimbledon residents, representatives from the council, Stephen Hammond MP as well as students from other schools were present.
Asif Malik, chairman of the Wimbledon Society, said: “We are delighted that Wimbledon’s many heritage assets are being cared for and brought back to life for future generations to enjoy.”
The launch comes as part of a initiative taking place across London to restore Victorian-era drinking fountains to give Londoners more access to free water refill stations.
There are more than 100 listed drinking fountains in the Greater London area but the vast majority are not working.
This is the 4th historic fountain restored by the trust this year.
Picture: Joseph Toynbee. Picture: Reminiscences and letters of Joseph and Arnold Toynbee/edited by Gertrude Toynbee
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