Trafalgar Square Fountains
It was always the intention that this be a cultural space open to the public, and has long been recognised as a centre for national democracy and protest; even today, rallies and demonstrations on political, religious and general issues are frequently held at weekends. In 1841, following suggestions from the local paving board, Barry agreed that two fountains should be installed to counteract the effects of reflected heat and glare from the asphalt surface. The First Commissioner of Woods and Forests welcomed the plan because the fountains reduced the open space available for public gatherings and reduced the risk of “riotous assembly”.
The fountains were fed from two wells, one in front of the National Gallery and one behind it connected by a tunnel. Water was pumped to the fountains by a steam engine housed in a building behind the gallery, though later, when the water flow became unreliable, it was decided to install new fountains. These new fountains were designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens between 1937 and 1939.
Now they are useful to cool your feet in hot weather, although a community police officer was trying to dissuade people from doing so without much success.
Trafalgar Square Fountains
It was always the intention that this be a cultural space open to the public, and has long been recognised as a centre for national democracy and protest; even today, rallies and demonstrations on political, religious and general issues are frequently held at weekends. In 1841, following suggestions from the local paving board, Barry agreed that two fountains should be installed to counteract the effects of reflected heat and glare from the asphalt surface. The First Commissioner of Woods and Forests welcomed the plan because the fountains reduced the open space available for public gatherings and reduced the risk of “riotous assembly”.
The fountains were fed from two wells, one in front of the National Gallery and one behind it connected by a tunnel. Water was pumped to the fountains by a steam engine housed in a building behind the gallery, though later, when the water flow became unreliable, it was decided to install new fountains. These new fountains were designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens between 1937 and 1939.
Now they are useful to cool your feet in hot weather, although a community police officer was trying to dissuade people from doing so without much success.