Chelsea Embankment, Chelsea, London SW3 5LT
George Sparkes Memorial Drinking Fountain
Tiny historic site
Place photograph
2.9
Wildland
Under 1 hour
Time
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Cost
Historic
Feel
Why it's Wildland
2.9Built in 1880 in memory of George Sparkes, the fountain was erected by his widow and designed by Charles Barry Jr. Its inscriptions remember Sparkes as a former judge in Madras in the East India Company’s civil service.
A small but unusually functional piece of Victorian street heritage: this memorial fountain combines a personal inscription, a design by Charles Barry Jr and low-level troughs historically used by animals. It is a brief stop, not a destination for a full day.
Historic
Find your way
Open mapChelsea Embankment, Chelsea, London SW3 5LT
Opening map…
Know this place a little better?
The experience
A short heritage stop to examine the fountain, read its inscriptions and notice how its design served both people and animals. Pair it with a separately planned visit nearby if you want a longer outing.
Things to do
Read the memorial inscription
The inscription remembers Sparkes as a former judge at Madras in the East India Company’s civil service and records that the fountain was erected by his widow in 1880.
A few minutes
Look for the animal troughs
The fountain includes low-level troughs described as historically used by horses and cattle.
A few minutes
Find the restoration plaque
Look for the plaque recording the 2016 restoration by Transport for London and the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea.
A few minutes
Make a day of it
Quick escape · Under 1 hour
A brief look at the memorial fountain
- 01
Visit the fountain on Chelsea Embankment.
- 02
Read the inscription commemorating George Sparkes and look for the restoration plaque.
- 03
Notice the low-level troughs described as historically used by horses and cattle.
Verified history
The fountain was erected in 1880 by George Sparkes’s widow. The inscription identifies Sparkes as a former judge at Madras in the East India Company’s civil service and records his death on 30 January 1878, in his 68th year. Victorian Web identifies Charles Barry Jr as its architect. Transport for London and the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea restored it; the refurbishment was formally marked on 18 May 2016.
Hidden details
Inscriptions on both sides — The fountain has English and Latin inscriptions. London Remembers transcribes the English text and notes that the Latin inscription is on the opposite side.
Low-level animal troughs — The fountain’s lower troughs reflect its historic use by horses and cattle as well as people.
When to go
· No particular time is established by the supplied sources.
The supplied sources do not identify a seasonal reason to visit.
Check local conditions and whether the fountain is operating if you intend to use it for drinking water.
What to look for
- 01
Look for the English inscription commemorating George Sparkes and the Latin text on the opposite side
- 02
notice the low-level troughs and the plaque recording the 2016 restoration.
The story
Victorian memorial; East India Company; public drinking fountains
Best time to go
Any time of year; check locally whether the fountain is working before visiting specifically for drinking water.
No seasonal highlight is established by the supplied sources. Check before visiting if you hope to find the fountain dispensing water.
How long to spend
Under 1 hour
Perfect for
History lovers · Walkers
Before you go
Address
Website
Listed hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
Check before visiting.
Google rating
Practical information
Opening & access
A roadside memorial fountain on Chelsea Embankment. It was restored and reopened in 2016; check locally before relying on the drinking water being available. Access arrangements are unconfirmed. Check before visiting; do not enter private land or restricted structures.
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Parking
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Toilets
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Food & drink
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Dogs
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Accessibility
Google listing information states wheelchair-accessible entrance; verify the current approach and conditions before visiting.
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Cost
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Water
Drinking fountain; this is not a swimming or paddling location.
Gallery
Place photographsKeep exploring
Around George Sparkes Memorial Drinking Fountain
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
