The Victoria Fountain
Oxford, GB
Rating: 4.7 ★ (13 ratings)
Details
The Victoria Fountain stands as a charming, elaborate little building on The Plain roundabout, marking a historic entrance and serving as a prominent landmark at the gateway to East Oxford, near Magdalen Bridge. This octagonal stone structure, with its distinctive character and atmosphere, adds significantly to the area's appeal, especially since its thoughtful 2009 restoration and enhanced lighting. It continues to draw the eye of visitors, offering a picturesque and historically rich feature within the bustling city landscape.
Designed by architect E. P. Warren, the fountain features scallop decorative details and once had four basins, originally lined with copper, along with troughs for horses and dogs. The building's eight columns support a tiled roof, topped by a timber cupola housing a functional four-faced clock and crowned with a weather vane. Around the clock tower, a Latin inscription thoughtfully translates to: 'The water drips, the hours go by. Be warned, drink, catch them 'ere they fly'.
This delightful monument is best suited for visitors with an appreciation for Victorian heritage and detailed urban architecture, offering a brief yet enriching stop during a leisurely exploration of Oxford. It works well for those crossing Magdalen Bridge or venturing into East Oxford, providing a focal point of historical interest and a sense of local charm. Its overall appeal lies in its intricate design and its role as a beloved, illuminated landmark, perfect for a quick photograph and a moment of reflection on the city's past.
Location
Contact
http://www.oxfordhistory.org.uk/streets/inscriptions/east/fountain.html
Comments
It astonishes me more and more how the Victorians thirsted for public amenities.
What a remarkable society the Victorians built - and a nice little memento mori nearby: even as the 19th C. died and their culture perished, so shall we. Let the cemetery be a lesson for us all!
The absolute highlight of the Magdelen Roundabout area, and a neglected glory of the Victorian era.
Sancta Maria Magdalena, patrona viarum sphaeralium, OPN!
Worth a look if nearby.
Your limited time is infinitely better spent immersed in the unparalleled density of world-class sights within the OX1 postcode: exploring the Bodleian Library, admiring the Radcliffe Camera, or wandering the quads of New College or Christ Church. This fountain does not compete.
However, consider it a minor curiosity if your itinerary naturally takes you past it—perhaps en route to the excellent, affordable restaurants on St. Clement's Street, or as you walk to the Magdalen Bridge punting station. In that context, its humble granite form offers a brief, tangible connection to Oxford's everyday Victorian history beyond the spires. But as a sightseeing target? It is decisively beyond the essential perimeter. Prioritise the historic centre, and you will miss nothing of consequence.
Must visit this beautiful place