HOBSON’S CONDUIT
IN 1614. A JOINT ENTERPRISE OF THE UNIVERSITY AND THE TOWN OF CAMBRIDGE BROUGHT A SUPPLY OF RUNNING WATER INTO THE TOWN FROM SPRINGS AT GREAT SHELFORD. THOMAS HOBSON, THE CARRIER (1544-1630) WAS A BENEFACTOR OF THE SCHEME AND FOR THAT REASON THE WATERCOURSE BECAME KNOWN AS HOBSON’S CONDUIT.
THIS MONUMENT MARKS THE END OF THE ARTIFICIAL WATERCOURSE. FROM THIS POINT THE WATER RUNS IN CULVERTS TO RE-APPEAR IN RUNNELS IN TRUMPINGTON STREET AND ST. ANDREW’S STREET. OTHER CULVERTS FEED PONDS IN CERTAIN OF THE COLLEGES.

FROM 1614 TO 1856 THE MONUMENT STOOD UPON MARKET HILL WHERE IT SERVED AS A FOUNTAIN. IN THE LATTER YEAR, FOLLOWING THE PROVISION OF A PIPED SUPPLY OF WATER BY THE CAMBRIDGE WATER COMPANY, THE "FOUNTAIN" WAS MOVED TO THIS SITE. IT WAS RECONDITIONED IN 1967.
THIS PLAQUE WAS ERECTED BY THE HOBSON’S CONDUIT TRUSTEES AND UNVEILED BY THE MAYOR OF CAMBRIDGE COUNCILLOR M.N. BRADFORD J.P.
ON 25TH APRIL, 1967.

The sign indicates the monument erected to mark the Conduit.

The monument was photographed on the same day Click for a larger image

Another stone plaque appears on the monument:
This Structure stood upon the Market Hill and served as a Conduit from 1614-1856 in which year it was Re-erected on this spot by Public Subscription
Click for a larger image