The Fountain

In the late nineteenth century, Ilkeston town centre was not the same place it is today…there were no lorries loading stock from the shops and mobility scooters helping people to the top of Bath Street; Horses and Carts were still a primary form of transport.

In 1889, a special fountain was built, not just as a decorative monument, but also as a functional horse trough for those animals pulling the carts through the town centre. Now 119 years on, the fountain, which is classed as a grade II listed building, still stands, but it is in need of restoration to make it fully operational again and this will ensure that it is protected for future generations to enjoy. Specialist contractors have begun the process of bringing the fountain back to its former glory.

The council will match fund a contribution from English Heritage to ensure the work is completed. The fountain will be temporarily removed whilst work is carried out at a local specialist workshop. Dorothea Resorations are specialists in the repair and restoration of listed buildings, one of their most prided projects being that of the heritage gates at Chatsworth House in Derbyshire. Their workshops enable them to restore buildings and artefacts to their former glory using traditional skills and trades that date back hundreds of years.

Whilst the fountain is in the workshop, works to relay the currently failing foundations will be undertaken in the market place. On its return, the fountain will be restored to full working order and will once again make a valuable contribution to the town’s historic public realm. It is hoped work will be completed by early summer 2008.