A lovely reminder of how we Londoner’s used to drink our water before the modern day practice of simply turning on the tap and water miraculously coming out!
Built in 1826, this beautifully preserved water pump featuring a handle and not one but two water spouts, can be found in Bedford Row just north of Holborn.
It would have been used in the day by local people and lawyers from the nearby Inns of Court. Charles Dickens worked as a junior clerk back in the early 1800 ‘s near here and may very well have drank from the pump, no doubt watching his fellow drinkers for inspiration for some of the characters for his books.
It fell into disuse in the early 1900’s but the council obviously keen to preserve it, added a lamp at the top and later in a wise move, put street bollards around it to protect it. It is now Grade 2 listed.