Grand Avenue itself is first shown on the 1940 Ordnance Survey map, at which time this fountain was can be seen in the central reservation, at the junction with Phyllis Crescent, Red House Crescent and Charteris Road. It is shown on Ordnance Survey maps between 1940 and 1970 inclusive.
This fountain most likely was moved from The Hayes in about 1934. It was originally presented to the City in September 1908 by Miss Lena Samuel in memory of her uncle Mr Harry Samuel. In 1931 the City Engineer (Mr. George Whitaker) said that this fountain had not been used for some years, and it would be just as well to take it away.[1] It was, however, still present in February 1933 when the Public Works Committee received a letter from Mr Jack Samuel, describing the Hayes fountain as "a disgrace".[2] In April 1934 the Property and Markets Committee "approved the removal of the Samuel Fountain from the Hayes to the Grand-avenue, Ely".[3]
Sources of Information