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Water Fountain

Fleetwood Cherub Fountain/’Drinking’ Fountain

The drinking fountain at the east side of the Esplanade in Euston Gardens was erected in memory of two fishermen who lost their lives in the attempt to save others.

During a violent storm in Morecambe Bay on 7 November 1890, a schooner was spotted in distress. A small boat was launched from the fishing boat, Osprey, and three fishermen were dispatched to rescue the crew. Although George Wilkinson, James Abram and George Greenall succeeded in rescuing the crew of three, the small boat was swamped by the turbulent seas and sank. Silver medals were awarded by the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) to Wilkinson who was the only survivor, and to the captain James Fogg.

The fountain was erected in the latter part of the 19th century. Manufactured at the Saracen Foundry it is a modified example of casting number 19 (10’ 10” high.) A quatrefoil basin is supported by a wide base with four lion jambs symbolic of guardians. The stanchion and central column are decorated with acanthus relief. Four tendrils originally protruded from the column to suspend drinking cups on chains. The capital supports the finial, a putto holding a parasol, seated on a toadstool.

The fountain was listed as a Grade II historic building in 1978.

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