Victorian drinking fountain to be fully restored

A 19th Century drinking fountain is set to become fully functional as part of a project to restore it to its "former glory".

The Walton Well Drinking Fountain, in Oxford, was installed on the site of a natural spring in 1885.

In the ensuing years the structure has decayed and is now in "urgent need of restoration", according to the Oxford Preservation Trust (OPT).

The group has secured enough funds to begin the work to return the "historically significant" fountain to full working order.

Oxford city councillor and Sheriff, James Fry, said restoring the fountain would "bring a vital part of local history back to life" and bring it "back to its former glory".

Anna Eavis, chief executive of OPT, said: "Oxford Preservation Trust is delighted to be restoring the Walton Well drinking fountain so it can once again provide fresh drinking water for the local community."

The trust launched its fundraising campaign to restore the fountain in October last year, with the work set to begin this summer.

The work includes repairing the stone fountain, replacing the lost stone finial, the reinstatement of a safe drinking water supply and the installation of a bench.

An accompanying information panel explaining the fountain's role in Jericho's history will also be installed.

The drinking fountain was originally erected in the late 1800s by William Ward, a former Lord Mayor of Oxford.

It sits on the junction between Walton Well and Southmoor Road in Jericho.

The work is due to be completed by 13 September, in time for Oxford Open Doors weekend.

The weekend sees historic buildings, community spaces and places that are not usually accessible to the public opened up for free.

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