Blackheath
Junction Maze Hill/Charlton Way
Andrew Gibb was one of the first Aldermen of the Metropolitan Borough of Greenwich and as well as being a generous supporter of local charities, he also presented the Borough with a handsome mayoral chain.
When he died in 1908 he made provision in his will for £1,200 to be set aside for a drinking fountain to be erected, with the proviso that the bequest would not come into force until the death of his wife. She survived him by 20 years, so it was only after her death in 1928 that the project got underway.
The available money was sufficient not only for a drinking fountain but also for a shelter, so it was felt that a suitable location would be,
“...adjacent to an omnibus stopping place where the fountain would not be likely to cause any obstruction to traffic, and at the same time in a position which would be of greatest service to the public.” Unveiling ceremony leaflet, 16th April 1931
The shelter was designed by E. G. Theakston, FRIBA and erected by Thomas and Edge. The building was an open-sided temple-like structure made of artificial stone on an octagonal base and had on top a four dial clock which was illuminated at night.
Funding of £100,000 by Greenwich Council, the Heritage Lottery Fund and donations from several local groups and individuals has enabled the monument to be restored to its former glory.
Work on the building has seen a complete renovation of the structure and restoration of many features that have been missing for years. This includes the four face clock, weather vane, glass windscreens to the seating and a stone obelisk.
The Mayor of Greenwich officially opened the restored Gibb Memoral on Saturday 15th November 2003.