Calder Fountain, Custom House Square, Belfast, Co Antrim

Free-standing sandstone fountain, dated 1859, in memory of Commander Calder. Lozenge-shaped on plan and located at the eastern end of Custom House Square along the south elevation to Custom House (HB26/50/062). Splayed granite ashlar base with projections to the four corners abutted by granite wheel-guards and supporting scrolled sandstone ashlar brackets, panelled piers and fluted block capitals to continuous cornice having corresponding projections, framing all four elevations. Fountain surmounted by original cast-iron post supporting replacement metal lantern. The south elevation has a granite trough set within a shallow sandstone arch with inscribed sandstone panel over stating; ‘Erected by public subscription / In commemoration of / Francis Anderson Calder, Commander R.N. / Founder of the Belfast Society for the Prevention of Cruelty / to Animals. And for twenty years its active Honorary Secretary. / A.D. “Blessed are the Merciful” 1859’. Continuous sandstone cornice above is surmounted by a low blocking course with rectangular panel stating; ‘Calder Fountains’. The bowed west elevation has coursed sandstone ashlar walling with an ogee-moulded granite font and scalloped back panel. The north elevation as per south elevation with inscription stating; ‘Erected by public subscription / As a Memorial of the labours of / Francis Anderson Calder, Commander R.N. / in the cause of humanity / And to whom is mainly to be attributed the erection, between the / years 1843 and 1855 of ten water troughs for the use of cattle in / Belfast. / A.D. “A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast” 1859’. The bowed east elevation as per west elevation. Setting Located at the eastern end of Custom House Square along the south elevation to Custom House (HB26/50/062) to the west of Donegall Quay abutted by Liscannor flag-stone paving. Roof: None RWG : None Walling: Coursed sandstone ashlar Windows: None