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Tanner Street
Drinking fountain
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In the quiet south‑east corner of Tanner Street Park stands a small but remarkable survivor of Bermondsey’s past. Today it appears simply as a Grade II listed drinking fountain, but its story begins centuries earlier, high above the streets on the tower of St. Olaf’s Church. The church, once a familiar landmark in Bermondsey, was demolished in 1928. Yet its 17th‑century open‑sided turret was saved, repurposed, and eventually transformed into the drinking fountain that now anchors the edge of the park. It is one of those rare architectural fragments that has lived several lives, each shaped by the changing city around it.
Client
Southwark Council
Dates
6 Jun 2018
—
18 Dec 2018
Location
London
Fabric
Stone
A Historic Fragment in Need of Care
By the time DBR was commissioned, the fountain showed the signs of its long journey. Weathering, movement, and age had taken their toll on the stonework, the surrounding surfaces, and the protective railings. What had once been a proud remnant of St. Olaf’s tower needed careful removal, repair, and reinstatement to ensure it could continue its unusual second life in the park.
DBR’s Restoration: Respecting Every Layer of History
The project began with the safe removal of the fountain from its setting, allowing DBR’s team to assess and repair the structure with precision. Replacement stone was introduced where original fabric had deteriorated beyond conservation, each piece selected and tooled to blend seamlessly with the surviving historic material. New asphalt was laid to provide a stable, weather‑resistant base, ensuring the fountain’s longevity in its exposed park setting.
The reinstatement also included new bow‑top railings, an elegant but robust frame that both protects the fountain and echoes the traditional ironwork once common in London’s churchyards and public spaces. The result is a restored monument that feels rooted in its surroundings while still carrying the character of its original 17th‑century form.
The drinking fountain now rests quietly among trees and paths, its past easy to overlook. It recalls St. Olaf’s Church, Bermondsey’s shifting landscape, and the worth of small architectural remnants. Through skilled, sensitive conservation, DBR ensures this rare survivor keeps sharing its story with attentive passersby.
