| AdminHistory | Once the market place had been cleared, paved, provided with a cab stand and the right to collect tolls purchased by the newly established Borough Council, the need was felt for a public amenity which would ornament and enhance the area. The Earl of Dudley agreed to present a fountain to the town and this was opened at an elaborate ceremony on 17 Oct 1867 by the Countess who hoped 'a career of usefulness was in store for it'. She drank the first water to flow from a specially engraved goblet, the Vicar offered a prayer, the Earl and the Deputy Mayor made the appropriate speeches, likewise, the president of the Temperance Society was much in evidence. As can be seen, the event roused a great deal enthusiasm. Note the people on the roofs behind the curtain.
The Fountain was designed by James Forsyth, Sculptor of the Perseus Fountain at Witley Court, Worcestershire. The Dudley Market Place Fountain was built of red and grey granite, and Portland stone at a height of 27 feet. It was exhibited at the Paris Exhibition of 1867. |