Harford Fountain

Harford Fountain stands in Harford Square, Lampeter, Ceredigion. It is a 19th-century structure made of grey Forest of Dean stone. The fountain takes the form of an obelisk on a panelled pedestal base. Four iron spigots project from wrought-iron cruciform supports, each mouth shaped like a fox’s mask in brass. Shields are set into each side of the pedestal, one bearing the carved Harford Arms. An inscription records that J S Harford of Peterwell presented the fountain to the town. The fountain was built in 1862 and restored in 1990. It was granted grade II listed status in 1992. Before its arrival, Lampeter had no piped drinking water. The Harford family lived at the nearby Falcondale Estate on the town’s edge. Their gift provided the first reliable supply for local people. Visitors find a quiet square with the fountain at its centre. The obelisk rises above the panelled base, its four fox-mask spouts catching the light. Shields and carved arms add detail to the stonework. The surrounding area remains largely unchanged since the 19th century. Lampeter’s streets lead away from the square, offering glimpses of the Falcondale Estate beyond.