Drinking Fountain

Another Torquay drinking fountain. This one is on a raised bit of pavement called Old Maid’s Perch, very handy for the Bistrot at Pierres and close to Abbey Sands - in other words, a prestigious position. The author of the book on drinking fountains, David Hinchcliffe, has the following to say. ‘ This is a lovely Survivor, located on the pathway above Torbay Road between the shelter and the pedestrian bridge across to Abbey Sands. Framed by local rustic limestone, this full height structure has a bowl of local grey marble (now infilled), surmounted by four dumpy pillars of red marble, the arch being of alternating red and grey blocks. The interior has been neatly rendered, a water pipe is in place and rings on either side probably secured the drinking cup chains. There is no inscription. The design and construction are above the norm, perhaps because of its position. The fountain might commemorate the gift to the town by RSS Carey of the terrace and the garden above in July 1866.’
Anyway it was something to do on a dull and cold day, and it keeps me out of mischief.