Drinking Fountain At Hare Hill Park

335/0/10051 Drinking Fountain at Hare Hill Park 03-FEB-03

GV II

Drinking fountain. Dated 1902. The maker's name, 'RAWSON'S / BURY' on the plinth, south side. Local gritstone, pink and grey polished granite. Approximately 2 metres square at the base, and 3 metres high. In the style of a medieval shrine or preaching cross, in a composite gothic / classical style. Base of two steps, pink polished granite 2-stage plinth, polished grey granite bowls on west and east sides, square shaft with segmental-arched recesses, two sides with taps, the north and south sides having inscriptions. Square pyramidal 'roof' carved with tiles, triangular pediments [date on north pediment] and squat spire. Inscription on the south face: 'THE THREE / GREAT FORCES FOR THE / IMPROVEMENT OF MANKIND ARE / RELIGION, TEMPERANCE AND / CO-OPERATION, AND AS A / COMMERCIAL FORCE SUPPORTED / AND SUSTAINED BY THE OTHER TWO / CO-OPERATION IS THE GRANDEST, / NOBLEST, AND THE MOST LIKELY TO / BE SUCCESSFUL IN THE REDEMPTION / OF THE INDUSTRIAL CLASSES. FROM / J.- MITCHELL'S INAUGURAL ADDRESS / CO-OPERATIVE CONGRESS ROCHDALE. 1892' Inscription on the north face: 'ERECTED / BY THE / LITTLEBOROUGH / CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETY / OF INDUSTRY LTD / IN COMMEMORATION OF / THE SOCIETY'S JUBILEE / NOVEMBER 7TH 1900'. Brass rings for chained cups and the remains of brass taps survive on the east and west faces, above the bowls. The fountain is now surrounded by a tarmac path with an iron drain cover on each side of the base. The south one of cast iron pierced with holes, the east and west gratings smaller, and a large manhole on the north side giving access to the underground structure. The fountain forms part of the Hare Hills Park development following the lease of the Newall family home to Littleborough UDC in 1900.