King Edward's Recreation Ground Drinking Fountain

Formerly private land in agricultural use, King Edward's Recreation Ground in Kingston was named after the new King, Edward VII (1901-1910) in May 1901, shortly after his coronation. The fountain was erected at one side of it in 1906, by the Metropolitan Drinking Fountain Association, funded by a donation from FS Clayton Esq from Hook, a local village. It was opened with a public ceremony, including the chairman of the urban district council, 'a large number of villagers, and the school children ... '

'The gift is much appreciated in the village and will serve a useful purpose on the ground where it is erected.' (Surrey Comet, May 1901).

The fountain is structurally sound with minor chips on the bowl edge and the base edge. Pointing in the joints is failing and in parts later cementitious mortar repairs are evident. The lid, urn and neck sections are missing, and the remaining lower part of the neck (part of the bowl) has been filled with concrete.

The drinking fountain will be cleaned and then dismantled and all old plumbing removed. Replacement carving for the neck and urn will be made in granite to match the existing style, detail, colour and texture as closely as possible. The inscription on the column will be cleaned, painted in enamel paint and then gilded. It will be replumbed and re-erected.