This interesting monument just outside the centre of Cambridge and not far from the Fitzwilliam Museum was named for Thomas Hobson a local entrepreneur who carried goods between London and Cambridge and he gave money towards this project, a man-made watercourse providing clean water to the city. He’s also where the expression Hobson’s choice comes from*.
Erasmus once described Cambridge in the 1500s as the “filthiest town in Europe” (!) and many died from “Cambridge fever” partly caused by raw sewage in streams and rivers. This conduit was built in 1614 and helped improve the health of the town though it wasn’t until the 19th century that water borne diseases were mostly banished.
The fountain on top of the conduit was originally in the Market Square but moved to its current position in 1856. I particularly liked the coat of arms.
*Hobson hired out horses from his stables but since you could only have the horse he said and not choose the one you wanted yourself you had no choice, or, Hobson’s choice.
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