Willshire Fountain On Traffic Island

Willshire Fountain is located on a traffic island in Barnstaple and was built between 1876 and 1878, as indicated by an inscription. The fountain is made of concrete and stone, featuring cast-iron cresting. It has a large, round concrete basin with a granite base that includes panels of vermiculated rustication. The shallow bowl sits on a four-sided stone pedestal adorned with pilasters that have delicately carved capitals. The bowl is decorated with four lions' heads that have lead spouts, and around the rim is an inscription that reads: "Erected to record the gift by CS Willshire Esq of the railings enclosing this square during his mayoralty 1876-1878." Originally, the fountain served as the centerpiece of a square, which has since been replaced by the existing roundabout. The fountain is included for its group and historical value.