Water fountain set for return – but maybe not in time for this heatwave

Work has begun on restoring the Joseph Toynbee fountain in Wimbledon which has been not working for many decades.  

Heritage of London Trust (HOLT) has given a grant of £10,000 towards the restoration work, with the shortfall funding from Merton’s CIL funds, and the project will be managed by Merton council.  

The fountain, in Wimbledon Hill Road, will be restored to full working order, providing drinking water.  

Schoolchildren have visited the fountain as part of a Proud Places programme run by HOLT. 

The fountain, made of Portland stone, will be repaired with new taps and piping, and the stonework will be cleaned and repaired.  

It will have a new concrete foundation to stabilise it and will be up and running later this summer for the public to drink from.  

There are more than 100 listed drinking fountains in the Greater London area, but the vast majority are not working.  

Joseph Toynbee led the first ear and throat disease department at St Mary’s Hospital, Paddington – during which time, he was responsible for syringing Queen Victoria’s ears.

During his lifetime is said to have dissected 2,000 human ears. He became one of the first fellows of the Royal College of Surgeons and moved to Wimbledon in 1854. 

HOLT director Dr Nicola Stacey, said: “We’re so glad that this fountain is being restored – both for local people and the many Wimbledon visitors every year.  

“Joseph Toynbee was a pioneering Victorian surgeon and a philanthropist who made an important contribution to the lives and people of Wimbledon.

“The fountain will have a wonderfully positive impact on the surrounding community once it’s up and running again.”  

Wimbledon Society trustee Asif Malik, said: “We are so pleased that the Heritage of London Trust is supporting the restoration of this fountain.

“We are delighted that Wimbledon’s many heritage assets are being cared for and brought back to life for future generations to enjoy.” 

Pictured above: The fountain in Wimbledon Hill Road, being visited by secondary school pupils from Ursuline High School (Pictures: Heritage of London Trust)