Drinking Fountain

The drinking fountain, located in the center of Montacute, was built in 1902 and rebuilt in 1983. Designed by A. R. Powys, it is made of Ham stone and has a circular plan featuring a central shaft and three outer piers connected by quasi-flying buttresses. The bottom trough occupies two of the three segments and includes drain holes in the returns against the central pier. The outer piers are square with moulded, slightly-hipped tops, while the central pier is hexagonal, featuring a plain frieze band and a matching cap. On the east face of the central pier, there is a small niche, and the frieze includes a panel inscribed 'ER 1902'. Powys was the son of a vicar from Montacute, and the fountain was erected by the village to commemorate the Coronation of Edward VII. It has been repeatedly damaged by traffic and was reconstructed by the National Trust, with information attached to the fountain.