2-995-875 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

New drinking-fountain in Fleet Street, [London], 1860. 'The interesting ceremony of opening a new drinking-fountain, erected at the expense of Sir James Duke, Bart., M.P., and Alderman of the ward of Farringdon Without, in front of the parish church of St. Dunstan-in-the-West, took place on Wednesday week in the presence of Sir James Duke, Bart., the Rev. Mr. Auriol, the Rector, and numerous other gentlemen. The design is of the classic order, the base being surmounted by a niche, at the top of which is a dolphin's head with the water issuing from the mouth. Round the basin are festoons of flowers, carved in beautiful marble. The ground is of Welsh marble, and all the rest of Italian marble. Round the basin is the following inscription: "The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life", and round the edge of the niche are these words: "The gift of Sir James Duke, Bart., M.P., Alderman of this Ward." On the top comers are two ovals, in one of which are these words, "Elected Lord Mayor, 1848;" and in the other, "Elected M.P. for London, 1849." The whole is surmounted by a white marble shield, bearing the arms of Sir James Duke and the insignia of the mayoralty'. From "Illustrated London News", 1860.