Robertson's Pant
Location
Bondgate Within
Description
Fountain in sandstone and polished pink granite, dating from 1890, with water trough on north side, drinking fountains to east and west, and one other spout on the north side, On top there is a bowl containing the fountain, and there is a light fitting within the dome
The fountain was gifted to the town by Alderman Adam Robertson, and it stands across the road from his house, which was called "Fountain House", and is now HSBC bank. Alderman Adam Robertson was a successful businessman, generous townsman and a prominent freemason. The carving of a six-pointed star on the frieze is a symbol of the freemasons.
The pant was designed by George Reavell and built by Green and Douglas of Amble. The plumbing was designed by Geoffrey Wilson (town surveyor) and executed by T H Hindmarsh and son. The sandstone came from Denwick, and the red granite from Peterhead.
This is the only pant in Alnwick connected to the mains water supply. It was originally built so that the fountain could be supplied either with water from Clayport, or from the mains supply; while the drinking fountains were supplied from the mains, and the trough from the same supply as St Michael's Pant.
The pant was re-started in 2013, after having been switched off for 15 years following complaints that passers-by were splashed on windy days.It was last restored in 1986.
Power is connected, and used to supply Christmas lights.
Described as follows by English Heritage: Dated 1890. Large square base with octagonal domed tempietto. Pointed ribbed dome with circular panels between ribs; lamp supported above done. East and west faces of base have fanned panels, to north a semi-circular porphyry tablet inscribed "Presented by Adam Robertson to his native town" and smaller plaques below inscribed "opened by Earl Percy" and "June 8th 1891", Robertson's Pant is situated near the roadway at the foot of Bondgate Hill.
Described by Public Monuments and Sculpture Association as: A working drinking fountain in the style of 'a phase of the Italian Renaissance.' A square sandstone pedestal with chamfered corners supports an octagonal cornice from which rise eight polished pink granite columns. These bear an arcade with spandrels and keystones above which is a decorated frieze which includes Robertson's monogram and a masonic emblem. This is capped by a sandstone panelled dome with a bronze and glass lantern on top. There is a polished pink granite trough on the north side. The fountain was the gift of Alderman Adam Robertson, the founder of a successful local firm of decorators and a leading figure in Alnwick politics. Robertson offered to erect the fountain on 18th June 1890. His wife Nancy laid the foundation stone on 3rd February 1891 and Earl Percy declared the fountain open at a ceremony on 8th June 1891 attended by the Northumberland Fusiliers band and a large group of freemasons.
The picture above shows the opening of Robertson's Pant (or fountain). The dignitaires are on the platform to the left and the old Gazette offices can be seen in the background.
(from http://www.facebook.com/AlnwickMemories/photos)
The two pictures below show the horse market before the pant was constructed.
Owner
Town council - who pay water and electricity charges.
Status
Listed Grade II in 25th August 1977.
Condition
Appears to be basically sound, could do with come cleaning. Fountain contains sticks and bird droppings. Light is currently not working, but is understood to be operational.
Suggestions for improvement
Would benefit from some cleaning - particularly on polished granite, and possibly on sandstone.
Light should be made operational.
Fountain could be operational - maybe only on special occasions if complaints of splashing continue.
Drinking spouts could be operational - they are on a mains water supply - and there is no history of them being vandalised or abused.
Could be spotlit.
Conceal wiring and associated fittings.