The Hanbury Drinking Fountain on Wimbledon High Street has been restored to its former glory. The iconic fountain was formally unveiled on 10 March 2026 following a major restoration led by Heritage of London Trust in partnership with Merton Council and the Wimbledon Society.
The Victorian fountain, now carefully conserved, gilded and returned to working order, stands as a striking example of the nineteenth century fascination with Greek Revival architecture. Modelled on the Choragic Monument of Lysicrates in Athens, it reflects a period when classical Greek design shaped Britain’s public monuments and civic spaces.
The fountain has been relocated from its former Wimbledon Common site to the bustling Wimbledon High Street to serve a higher number of passers-by.
As the new interpretation panel explains, the fountain was originally presented as a gift to the public by Robert William Hanbury, MP and President of the Board of Agriculture, and first opened in 1860 on the Strand before later being relocated to Wimbledon Common near Hanbury’s home. Its design draws directly from the fourth century BC monument in Athens, popularised in Britain after the publication of Antiquities of Athens in the eighteenth century, which sparked a national appetite for Greek forms.
Heritage of London Trust has now restored 19 historic drinking fountains across London. In 2023 Heritage of London Trust worked with Merton Council to restore the Toynbee Fountain in Wimbledon Village. Other examples of classical design woven into south London’s landscape include the Southwark Park caryatids restored in autumn 2025 in Southwark Park.
A recent site impact survey carried out following the works highlights the positive response from local residents and visitors, underlining the importance of restoring well loved civic landmarks. Local people have been excited about the positive impact on the village and 108 young people have been involved with the restoration so far through the Proud Places programme, learning skills and forming connections in the process.
The project was made possible thanks to the support of the Jones Day Foundation, with delivery in partnership with Merton Council and the Wimbledon Society.
The unveiling event on 10 March was attended by the Mayor of Merton Councillor Martin Whelton, and bring together representatives from Heritage of London Trust,
the Wimbledon Society with the local community alongside young people from Wimbledon College and Ursuline High School to celebrate the fountain’s restoration and its place within Wimbledon’s shared heritage.
Dr Nicola Stacey, Director of Heritage of London Trust, said
“Historic fountains like Hanbury are small in scale but huge in presence. They anchor a landscape and remind us that public generosity once shaped our streets and commons. Restoring it means giving Wimbledon back a piece of its civic story, and reconnecting it to the wider classical tradition that once captivated Britain.”
Cllr Caroline Cooper Marbiah, Cabinet Member for Sport and Heritage for Merton Council said
“This restoration reflects the council’s commitment to protecting and enhancing the borough’s heritage. The Hanbury Fountain is part of Wimbledon’s identity and we are proud to have worked with Heritage of London Trust and the Wimbledon Society to secure its future.”
Asif Malik, Chairman of the Wimbledon Society, said
“The fountain has long been a quiet landmark on the Common. Seeing it restored to full working order is a moment of real pride for the local community. It is a reminder that heritage belongs to everyone and that collaboration makes these projects possible.”
Young people were also enthusiastic.
Emma, age 12, Ursuline High School said:
“Soon this will be available for loads of people to use when they’re walking by. I also find it quite cool that it’s been in three different locations, and the person who put it there, he lived in Wimbledon for a lot of his life.”
Veronica, age 12, Ursuline High School said:
“I’m really excited to be able to use it and experience being there for the launch. It makes me feel proud of where I live.”
Emily, 15, Malden Oaks Lower School Richmond (AP) said:
“I think it’s a good idea to move the fountain to Wimbledon village because it’s then in a more social and beautiful area. People will be able to see the horses walking through as well as the fountain.”
And one young speakers from Wimbledon College Year 12, Ben said:
“This drinking fountain represents the ability to bring more to locals. It’s a necessity for all of us, even though some of us here may not be from an English heritage, we all need water to survive. With projects like this we can come together as a community and a culture to do something good for everyone.”
