Temperance fountain

This fountain is the second on the site. The original was made of Doulton ware but was damaged by lightning in 1897. This replacement Portland Stone fountain was installed in 1900 opposite the public library and near the parish church, funded by the St Mary Abbots Church of England Temperance Society. It was in the classical style with angle consoles, niches and decorated with shells and cherub heads. A cross was placed on top and an inscription once read: ‘Erected by the St Mary Abbotts Kensington Branch of the Church of England Temperance Society.’
​
The Temperance movement was a campaign to encourage the reduction of alcohol consumption, which was believed to lead to social issues such as poverty, child neglect, immorality and economic decline. Temperance societies began to be formed in the 1830s to campaign against alcohol. Although the Temperance movement met with local success in parts of Britain, it failed to impose national prohibition, and disappeared as a significant force following the Second World War.

The restoration was completed in the summer of 2024 and was unveiled by HOLT's Royal Patron, HRH The Duke of Gloucester in the Autumn. The project was funded by the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea and Heritage of London Trust with the support of Knight Frank.