Chalybeate Well And Drinking Fountain Flanked By Steps

The Chalybeate Well and drinking fountain, flanked by steps, was built in 1882 by HS Legg. It features a rusticated granite base on the south side, flanked by swept granite walls with spurstones that lead to ascending stone steps. The superstructure is made of Portland stone. The base includes a trough topped by a channelled granite arch with a keystone. Above this is a stone plinth with a dentil cornice that continues around the pilasters at the corners, adorned with carved floral panels. The plinth is inscribed with "Chalybeate Well" above the arch and has a central granite panel that reads: "To the memory of the Hon. Susanna Noel who with her son Baptist 3rd Earl of Gainsborough gave this well together with 6 acres of land to the use and benefit of the poor of Hampstead 20 December 1698./Drink traveller and with strength renewed/Let a kind thought be given/To her who has thy thirst subdued/Then tender thanks to Heaven." The plinth supports a shaped pediment with a carved cartouche that includes a coat of arms. The north side is simpler, featuring pilasters flanking the stone plinth with a dentil cornice and a central faceted granite bowl set in a shaped panel, with a pediment that has a carved coat of arms in a roundel. Historically, during the early 18th century, Hampstead became renowned for its chalybeate waters, and the original spa building was located opposite.