Grade II listed fountain restored in city's park

Councillors Richard Udal (left) and Jenny Barnes at the fountain, which has been in Cripplegate Park for 100 years

A Grade II listed fountain in a Worcester park has been given a new lease of life after being restored.

The Victorian cast-iron monument in Cripplegate Park underwent a major refurbishment and is now ready to be viewed by visitors.

It was presented to the city in 1858 by industrialist and former MP Richard Padmore, and was made at the Blockhouse foundry by his company, Hardy and Padmore.

It has been a landmark in the park for a century, since 1924. Before that it was in the old market hall.

The work to refurbish the fountain took place after Worcester City Council agreed a £25,000 programme.

The work included the cleaning, refurbishment and decoration of the cast iron, and repairs were also made to the lower lion spouts, which had previously not all been working efficiently.

There was also minor re-pointing to the stonework.

The improvements were carried out while the fountain was closed down over the colder months of the year, from September 2023.

Councillor Jenny Barnes said: “Our park is loved by the community and refurbishing the fountain shows pride in our green space."