Cavendish memorial fountain

The Cavendish memorial fountain stands in the grounds of Bolton Abbey in North Yorkshire. It is a drinking fountain built in 1886 from local stone ashlar blocks. The fountain rises about twelve metres on a plinth surrounded by six buttresses arranged in a hexagon. A carved frieze runs between the buttresses and an open lantern crowns the top. The fountain was commissioned by electors of the West Riding after Lord Frederick Cavendish was murdered in 1882. A committee led by Angus Holden raised over two thousand pounds in donations. Manchester architects Thomas Worthington and John Garrard Elgood designed the structure, with carving by Earp and Hobbs. The Marquess of Ripon dedicated the fountain at a ceremony attended by more than five hundred guests. Visitors find a tall Gothic-style tower with six buttresses and carved coats of arms. Gargoyles project from the frieze just below the parapet. The inscription on the frieze names Lord Frederick and records the gift of the electors. The lantern at the top allows light into the structure and completes the design.