Restoration begins on historic Surrey Street drinking fountain

The London Stone Conservation team on site at the historic Surrey Street drinking fountain

Restoration work has begun on the historic Surrey Street drinking fountain in Croydon this week.

This historic Victorian fountain has been out of repair for many years, offering no fresh water for local residents and passers by. We have started work this week on a full restoration project: cleaning, poulticing, repairing joints and returning drinking water to the lion’s mouth, via a new push-button above.

The fountain was originally erected in 1896 and unveiled by the Mayor of Croydon, Frederick Thomas Edridge (1843-1921). Surrey Street is one of the oldest street markets in the UK dating from 1276. This drinking fountain on its junction with Croydon’s High Street was part of the Victorian redevelopment programme to widen the street. Heritage of London Trust’s focus on Surrey Street was one of the catalysts for a major Croydon Council redevelopment and investment programme in the market. The scheme aims to drive growth, reactivate empty shops and spaces so they can be used by culture, arts and community groups and create safer, greener public spaces.

We’re thrilled the historic Surrey Street drinking fountain can be part of this wider regeneration programme.

The project, supported by Croydon Council and the Jones Day Foundation, takes place through June 2025. Local young people will be involved in the restoration through our youth engagement programme, Proud Places.