John Fernley Monument, Southport, Merseyside UK - Converted Fountains on Waymarking.com

“A Venetian style drinking fountain, comprising of two tier base and central body under a canopy supported by four pillars. On opposite sides were the barometer (north west) and the water bowl (south east). There was also a ground level bowl for the use of dogs (since removed). The remaining two side sections were covered by decorative carving. This no longer exists on the north-east side, which appears to have been either re-cut or replaced during the recent restoration. The south-west side retains the carving, which takes the form of scrolls carrying the inscriptions, and a background of plant stem and leaves. Above the barometer was the carved emblems of commerce. There is little evidence relating to the donation of this monument, which does not appear to have featured in the Council proceedings. In 1962, the state of the fountain came to the public eye since the Southport Visiter featured it in an article in July 1962. The following week the Visiter called for the establishment of an appeal fund, towards which it offered £50. The estimated cost of renovation was put at £200, and the article suggested that the Parks and Cemeteries Committee was considering the situation. However, the paper dropped the subject and no reference can be found in the minutes."

Inscriptions

“North-east face: This handsome / stone pillar was / the gift of / JOHN FERNLEY / to Southport in / 1861 / It contained a / drinking fountain, / a thermometer, a / weather vane and / a barometer for / the indication of / coming storms / It was / restored as a / monument in / 1995 North-west face: Blank South-west face: The GIFT of / JOHN FERNLEY Esq. / for the use of the / LIFE BOAT CREW / and FISHERMEN / of SOUTHPORT / erected AD 1861 South-east face: Blank"

The monument itself is made in Yorkshire Stone and the Bowl of Sicilian Marble.

Some of this text was taken from the excellent PMSA website HERE

Setting: Outside Place: Edge of road near seafront. Use: Memorial

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Date Logged Log User Rating   10/08/2016 dreeder75 visited it