Description

TQ 2881 SW PORTMAN SQUARE

55/102 Hamilton Memorial Drinking Fountain

II

Drinking fountain. 1878, donated by Lady Hamilton through the Metropolitan Drinking Fountain and Cattle Trough Association. Polished pink granite. Rectangular base with plinth having spouts and semi-circular basins on 3 faces and a tall column surmounted by an urn. Inscribed to the memory of Sir James Hamilton. Religious inscriptions, some on a small bronze plaque, bear witness to the evangelical dimension of the Association's activities at the height of its philanthropic functions. Founded in 1859 the Association provided free fresh water to many humans and beasts at a time when ale and spirits were easier to obtain than water and most supplies contaminated. Lady Hamilton designed the acorn jets found on many fountains of the period after-public comments were made about the unseemliness of water flowing from the mouths of animals. The Association provided a catalogue of functional designs but some wealthy patrons used their own.

Listing NGR: TQ2812781274

External Links

• Wikidata Q27082218

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Recommended Books

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  Old House Care and Repair
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  Surrey (The Buildings of England) (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
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  County Durham (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England) by Elizabeth Williamson Nikolaus Pevsner(1983-03-11)
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  Churches: An Architectural Guide (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Introductions)
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  Huddersfield in 50 Buildings
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  Hampshire: Winchester and the North (The Buildings of England) (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)