Emperor Fountain

The Emperor Fountain stands in the grounds of Chatsworth House in Derbyshire. It sits at the north end of the Canal Pond, a long rectangular sheet of water dug in 1703. The fountain itself is a tall metal jet surrounded by scattered boulders. Two sandstone sculptures of reclining figures flank the jet to the north. English Heritage recognises the fountain and its sculptures as a Grade II listed building. The fountain was built in 1843–44 for a visit by Tsar Nicholas I of Russia. The Duke of Devonshire wanted the world’s highest fountain, so he commissioned Joseph Paxton. An eight-acre lake was dug on the moors above the house to supply the water pressure. The jet reached 90 metres when fully on, though the Tsar never saw it. Prince Wilhelm of Prussia witnessed it in August 1844. Visitors find the fountain beside the Canal Pond, a wide stretch of water framed by grassy banks. The metal jet rises from the pond, often at half height because of limited water supply. On special occasions it runs at full power. Nearby, the moors hold the Emperor Lake that once powered the fountain and later generated electricity for Chatsworth.