The Hundred and One Dalmatians Drinking Fountain

Dodie Smith, the author of the beloved children’s book 101 Dalmatians, lived near the Suffolk town of Sudbury for more than 60 years. She frequented the town for shopping and banking, and was a recognizable presence in the community. It may come as no surprise then that Sudbury features in her classic book. One notable scene from the story features the town’s St Peter’s Church. The church, or more specifically, the water fountain outside it, serves as the spot where Pongo and Missis rested while searching for their lost puppies.

“They had hoped they might meet some dog and hear if any news of the puppies had come at the Twilight Barking, but not so much as a cat was stirring. While they were drinking at the fountain, church clocks began to strike midnight.”

Today, visitors can still see this fountain where the two dogs took their break, though water no longer flows. Additionally, for those with a keen eye, a red bollard adorned with the bronze likeness of Pongo can be spotted across the street. This bollard is just one of the 14 in Sudbury’s Talbot Trail, each bollard depicting a unique character or event from the town’s rich history.