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The
fountain is the star attraction of Middleton-in-Teesdale, the largest
town on this stretch of the Tees.
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| A
Victorian photo of the fountain. |
By
1999 the cast iron structure was well and truly showing its age,
and a rescue fund was still short of its target.
A shrouded
fountain reminded everyone that unless two thousand pounds was raised
before the year end Middleton would lose a European grant, and probably
its best known featrue.
The
money was raised, and in April 2000 half the town turned out to
welcome back their fountain, still tantalisingly under wraps.
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| A
decorative croc. |
In
fact it took so long to reveal what £12,000 of restoration
work had achieved, that Unwrapping the Fountain could become a regular
Middleton in Teesdale sporting competition.
But
everyone was delighted with what they saw.
The
fountain gets its name from a former lead mine manager who paid
less than £35 for his ornate memorial.
But
now at more than thirty times that cost it's back in all its Victorian
splendour.
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| Bainbridge
fountain. |
A tourist
centre was also opened to cater for all the people coming to admire
the fountain.
On
the right is a photo of the fountain before restoration.
Return
to Tees Trail page.
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|
This
lot letter could help you win an excellent guide to antiques
on DVD - find out more.
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The
Bainbridge fountain cost £35 in 1878.
