The Cornhill Water Pump

It's a historical water pump beside the road. There are no facilities or charges. It's never closed.

Weird selfie potential for history buffs. Loses one star for horrible paint job, lettering poorly outlined. Shame!

Restored to its original condition and colour

The Cornhill Water Pump stands at the site of a water pump back in the 18th century before the days supermarket water.

Today the pump is just decorative, without a water supply and therefore just for show, albeit as a historical landmark and reminder of the many water fountains, wells, pumps and conduits that helped provide water to the inhabitants of London over the centuries.

Much restored relic associated with an historic well/water source or conduit situated within the heartland of Roman London and rediscovered in 1799.
A reminder of the ancient waterways biding under our feet while we make plans.

Restored to its original colours - this used to be blue, with a horse trough on the road side . The medieval well was supposedly found when the road fell into a hole! {On the panel facing the pavement:}
"On this spot a well was first made and a house of correction built thereon by Henry Wallis, Mayor of London, in the year 1282."
{On the base:}
"Phillips & Hopwood, Engine makers, fecerunt."

{On the panel facing the road:}
"The well was discovered much enlarged and this pump erected in the year 1799 by the contributors of the Bank of England, the East India Company, the neighbouring fire officers, together with the bankers & traders of the Ward of Cornhill."

We understand "the neighbouring fire officers" to mean the four fire assurance companies represented by their insignia on the four sides near the top.

Historic

The pump dates from 1799 and was paid by several organisations in the City, including, the Bank of England and the East India Company. In this water pump you can see the symbols of four fire offices and/ or insurance companies: the Sun, Phoenix, London and Royal Exchange.