Drinking Fountain At Entrance To Spithead Hotel

BEMBRIDGE SZ68NW THE EMBANKMENT 1352-0/2/21 Drinking Fountain at entrance to Spithead Hotel II Drinking fountain. Erected 1910 to the memory of Rev James Nelson Palmer, Rector of Yaverland. Built of stone and granite with iron lamp standard (disused) above. A gigantic and elaborate structure of 3 stages comprising a square shaft with cruciform arms, the whole topped by gadrooned dome and surmounted by elaborate iron lamp standard. The lowest stage has stone arms under carved brackets enclosing alternately a circular carved drinking fountain or quarter circle animal trough. 2nd stage has moulded panels and round-headed drinking fountains on 2 faces and inscriptions on the others. Very elaborate granite console brackets set vertically and with half-anthemion designs to arms. Top stage has moulded panels below dome and the carved arms have masonic emblems, the Star of David and other emblems. Inscription: 'To the memory of the Reverend James Nelson Palmer M.A. Oxford, Late Rector of Yaverland Isle of Wight. Past Grand Chaplain of England United Grand Lodge of Freemasons. Past Grand Sojourner of English Royal Arch Masonry. Member of the Royal Yacht Squadron. Ruling Councillor of Primrose League Bembridge. Honorary Secretary of the Life Boat Institution Bembridge and member of many other institutions. This monument was erected by his widow, friends and residents of the Isle of Wight, in testimony of the regard entertained for him in his many good works.' On the opposite side is the inscription : 'This fountain was unveiled by the Rt. Hon'ble Lord Alverstone C.C.M.C. Lord Chief Justice of England on the 11th of August 1910 to perpetuate the memory of the Reverend James Nelson Palmer M.A. Oxford Born July 12th 1832. Died at Bembridge Sept. 7th 1902.'

Listing NGR: SZ6423588667