Plaque Wording:
{around the top}The gift of Sam Gurney M.P. 1859
{in the centre}The first metropolitan drinking fountain erected on Holborn Hill in 1809 and removed when the viaduct was constructed in 1867
{at the bottom}Replace the cup
Plaque Wording:
Memorial Buildings
These buildings stand on part of the Old Bunhill Fields Burial Ground. The first freehold possessed by London Friends, used by them for burials during nearly two hundred years, it was closed to such purposes in 1855.
In 1880 The Metropolitan Board of Works purchased parts of the property for widening streets from which, and also from the site of these premises, all remains of interments being first carefully removed were re-interred in the ground adjoining. And out of the proceeds of such compulsory sales these buildings with their halls, coffee-tavern club and committee rooms have been built.
Near this spot George Fox was interred in 1690, previously Edward Burrough and some ninety other martyr Friends who died in London prisons had been buried here.
To the memory of these ancient worthies and for the furtherance of religious, moral and philanthropic objects are these buildings now dedicated by The Society of Friends in London .... thereby to promote the best welfare & happiness of the surrounding population.
London, 10, Mo., 1881.
Plaque Wording:
This tablet was erected in loving memory of William Compton. Fifth Marquess of Northampton K.G. by his London tenants and friends. 1914.
Plaque Wording:
At this place New Years Day 1881 were spoken these deathless words "You have been in Afghanistan, I perceive" by Mr. Sherlock Holmes in greeting to John H. Watson, M.D. at their first meeting. The Baker Street Irregulars - 1953 by the amateur mendicants at the caucus club.