Pre‑1877 – The Natural Spring
Before the fountain existed, Hascombe residents collected water from the natural spring via shallow surface wells along Hoe Lane. The need for a safer, more reliable supply set the stage for the construction of the fountain.
1877 – Construction of the Hascombe Fountain
The Hascombe water fountain was built in 1877 by Edward Lee Rowcliffe (1824–1898) in memory of his brother Henry Rowcliffe (1829–1876). Its creation coincided with the Public Health Water Act 1878, introduced during a period when Britain faced repeated outbreaks of cholera, typhus and smallpox.
The Rector of Hascombe, Vernon Musgrave, recorded that the new supply meant the village was “almost wholly exempted from the sickness that has afflicted many persons in the surrounding parishes.”
He also wrote: “The waters of our charmed well have been brought down almost to the doors of many, and no excuse can any longer exist for drinking the too often impure and polluted water of the surface wells.”
1893 – A Second Fountain
In 1893, Rowcliffe constructed a second public water fountain “for the refreshment of wayfarers” on the road to Cranleigh, now within the parish of Bramley near the junction of the B2130 and A281.
1906 – A couple at the Fountain
A photograph from 1906 shows a couple standing beside the fountain, illustrating its continued use and importance to village life.
1912 – Lady Collecting Water
A 1912 image records a woman drawing water from the fountain, demonstrating its role as a daily community resource well into the 20th century.
1916 – the First OS map featuring the fountain
The first OS map available with Hascombe Fountain marked as a feature.
1960s- The Fountain Runs Free
By the 1960s, the Hascombe Fountain was still freely flowing, providing clean water to anyone who wished to collect it.
1965 – The Fountain Flows
Records from 1965 confirm the fountain continued to supply water for all, unchanged in purpose since 1877.
Early 1990s
Leslie Bennett, former chairman of Hascombe Parish Council, oversaw routine water‑quality testing of the fountain for around 20 years, ensuring its continued safety.
2009- Dowsing report
In March 2009, Hascombe Parish Council commissioned a dowsing report. The flow was measured at 1.5 cubic metres per hour (approximately 7,900 gallons per day). The report concluded: “Happy to say after 148 years the Fountain still flows irrespective of weather and drought conditions.”
2026 The Fountain’s listing
Grade II Listing - The fountain is officially Grade II listed on the National Heritage List for England. This means any physical alterations (e.g., adding barriers or filtration housing) require Listed Building Consent. The fountain is included in the Surrey Hills National Landscape heritage listings, confirming its ongoing cultural significance.
April 2026 – Fountain Shut Off by Order of the Drinking Water Inspectorate
In April 2026, the Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) instructed Waverley Borough Council to shut off the fountain’s water supply due to public health concerns.
May 13th 2026 - Parish Council Meeting
Hascombe Parish Council to discuss options for the fountains future.