Beautiful but Sinister London Water Pump Once Killed Hundreds of People
The Aldgate Pump in London has a dark history, linked to cholera outbreaks that claimed many lives due to contaminated water
London, England, Cholera, Aldgate Pump, East End
London: The Aldgate Pump has a pretty wild backstory. It’s not just a cute little landmark; it’s got a history that’s downright creepy. This pump, which sits at a busy junction, was once the start of the East End. But it’s not just a pretty face.
Built in 1876, the pump has a wolf’s head spout and earned the nickname “Pump of Death.” Why? Well, it’s believed to have caused a cholera outbreak that killed hundreds. The water it supplied was contaminated, running through burial grounds and picking up all sorts of nasty stuff along the way.
People started complaining about the water tasting foul, which led officials to investigate. They found sewage and organic matter in the supply, linking it to those tragic cholera deaths. After that, they switched to a cleaner water source, and the pump was back in business.
Even after all that, the Aldgate Pump was used until the early 20th century. You can find old photos of kids playing in the water during heatwaves. Nowadays, it’s often surrounded by rental bikes, a quirky mix of old and new London.
While some tours might mention it, the story of the Pump of Death isn’t super well-known. Still, it’s a key part of East End history, marking the area that was once seen as dangerous due to poverty and crime. If you’re curious, the nearest station is Liverpool Street, so you can check it out for yourself!