Forums Forums Wirral History : Chasing the Past History Information Request Public drinking fountains?

Another one on Bidston Hill

wonder how old they are?

Bidston Hill Fountain

There is an old fountain on Bidstton hill that fell into disrepair and hasnt been used since the 1970s.
The manufacturer of the fountain is lenfield and Kennedy Ltd. Little is known to us regarding the history of Glenfield and Kennedy Ltd. From the title of a book, we believe the company was founded in 1865. All manner of waterworks fittings were produced, including below ground fire hydrants, and
above ground "standpost" hydrants, one of which is shown here. Their products were sold internationally, and the company maintained offices in London, as well as Calcutta and Bombay, India.

"Our Works are the largest in the Empire specialisisng in the production of equipment for the control with the most modern machine tools, moulding machines, and other equipment for rapid, economical, and accurate production." -- from the 1936 Glenfield & Kennedy catalogue.and accurate production." --
from the 1936 Glenfield & Kennedy catalogue.

Bit more info, i`m looking for a pdf catalouge, found one but its 65 pounds

This design appears without the dog bowl as Fig D1, in the 1916 Glenfield & Kennedy Catalogue.

Glenfield and Kennedy was formed in 1899 as a merger of the Glenfield Co Ltd (founded in 1865) and Kennedy Patent Water Meter Co Ltd (formed in 1863). They were based in Kilmarnock and their water fountains were found throughout Scotland.

The knob on the side if the fountain operated an internal valve which controlled the supply of water which then flowed out via the lionhead spout.

Public water fountains became increasingly popular throughout Britain from the mid 19th century as a means of providing readily accessible clean drinking water ´ a commodity that was not
formerly easily obtainable. The Metropolitan Free Drinking Fountain Association, founded in 1859 was formed to promote the erection of these fountains, and it joined with the RSPCA in 1867 to promote free drinking water for cattle horses, and dogs.
scource

There is one in Prenton, Osmaston Road intersecting with Prenton Hall Road / Prenton Lane

here it is in 1904 so it must be from the late 1800`s

I think that's a direction marker Ste. Engraved plate on the top showing various points on the skyline with distances.

Isn't the drinking fountain quite close to the Observatory wall ?

Apologies if I'm wrong.

oops, my bad, sorry

Wow what a photo, where's that from?? Yeah that is the directional marking, some low life chav has scratched the surfaace of it with scribbles and their name grrrrrr.

Here you go sally

Clicky

Thats the sun dial.. The fountain is further along near the observatory..

Two more drinking fountains ....

Port Sunlight, near to Gladstone Theatre.

Arrowe Park, just to right of main entrance.

I think this lovely and recently restored example on Hoylake promenade deserves a place in this thread.

I remember that one on hoylake prom from during the 1940s, it was painted black then