Leonard Montefiore Drinking Fountain

Leonard Montefiore Drinking Fountain is a Victorian memorial fountain on Stepney Green in Stepney, East London. A red marble monument topped with an obelisk, it commemorates a young Jewish philanthropist and works again as a public water refill point.

Who was Leonard Montefiore?

Leonard Montefiore was a relative of the better-known philanthropist Sir Moses Montefiore. He died at 26 in 1879, and the fountain went up in 1884, five years after his death. Local heritage writers describe it as his only memorial. East London had a large Jewish community at the time, and the Montefiore family's charitable work was well known there, so the fountain also marks a chapter in the neighbourhood's story.

What does it look like and where is it?

The fountain is built of red marble, with an obelisk on top and taps decorated with water lilies. It stands on Stepney Green close to the Stepney Clock Tower, in a green square surrounded by housing. The structure is Grade II listed.

Why was it moved?

It was first unveiled at Rutland Street School. In 1939 it was relocated to Stepney Green, where it stands today. It later fell into disrepair and was at risk of being lost, until the Heritage of London Trust restored it. The same charity looks after other historic fountains in London, including one in Altab Ali Park, Whitechapel. Today you can top up a water bottle here.

How do you get there?

Stepney Green is in East London, near Whitechapel and Mile End. The easiest route is the Tube to Stepney Green (District and Hammersmith & City lines) or Whitechapel, followed by a short walk. The fountain is freestanding and reachable at any hour, with no tickets or opening times.

What else is nearby?

• Stepney Clock Tower, a few steps away.
• Altab Ali Park in Whitechapel, with another restored historic fountain.
• The streets of the former Jewish East End around Whitechapel and Spitalfields.

When should you visit?

Daytime in the warmer months suits best, when the square is green and a drink from the fountain is welcome on a walk. A stop takes about fifteen minutes and fits well into a longer East End route.

Frequently asked questions

Does the fountain work? Yes. After its restoration it serves as a drinking water refill point.

Is there an admission fee? No. It stands in a public green space and is free to visit.

Has it always been on Stepney Green? No. It was unveiled in 1884 at Rutland Street School and moved to its present site in 1939.

How long should I allow? About 15 minutes, or up to an hour combined with a walk around the area.