Faded glory

Richard Wyatt

Good to see another city fountain flowing again.

It is not much of a display but at least what is left of an ornate fountain that once stood in Stall Street – and at the junction with Bath Street – is once more alive with a moderate jet of water at its current spot on Bog Island.IMG_0972

It was designed by Italian sculptor Stefhano Valerio Pieroni in 1859 and gave free mineral water to the public until 1978.

The basic structure – minus railings and statue – was moved in 1989 as it got in the way of traffic!

A unique view, although currently rather grainy, this image is the only known survivor. At the junction of Bath Street, the fountain gave free mineral water to the public until 1978. The work of Italian sculptor Stefhano Valerio Pieroni, it originally had a statue of King Bladud on the top when it was erected in 1859. The statue now resides in the grounds of a retirement home and the fountain was moved to Bog Island.
A unique view, although currently rather grainy, this image is the only known survivor. At the junction of Bath Street, the fountain gave free mineral water to the public until 1978. 

This Bath in Time image on the left shows how ornate it used to be.

Above the arched chamber of the fountain a figure of Bladud – the city’s legendary founder – once stood.

I think that now resides in Parade Gardens where a pig has been carved to stand alongside.

 

Published by Richard Wyatt

Freelance Journalist, broadcaster, columnist and local historian. Director of Bath Newseum. Married and lives in Bath. Interested in local history, architecture and visual display in museums and urban spaces.