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A life-size bronze statue of Dorothy as a young girl kneels atop a large dark-red granite basin and fountain base, staring down into the water in a delightful expression of childhood and naivety. Now placed opposite Wordsworth House, this charming fountain was erected as a memorial to William and Dorothy Wordsworth as a sign of gratitude from the local townspeople for their literary contributions. As the commissioner of the artwork, Canon Hardwicke Rawley said during its unveiling, it 'symbolises the perpetual stream of living thought for the healing of the nation that Wordsworth poured forth', hoping that it would stir those who viewed it to read and be inspired by both poets. Despite now in an appropriate location near to their childhood home, the fountain was originally placed in Harris Park, yet theft of the bronze caused it to be removed.
The named Aberdeen firm of monumental sculptors and granite quarriers produced the red granite fountain and base, and the named sculptor the bronze figure.
Title
Memorial Fountain for Dorothy Wordsworth (1771–1855) and William Wordsworth (1770–1850)
Date
1896
Medium
bronze & dark red granite
Measurements
H 215 x W 110 x D (?) cm
Accession number
CA13_RT_S061
Acquisition method
commissioned by Canon Hardwicke Rawnsley
Work type
Water fountain, trough or pump
Owner
Allerdale Borough Council
Custodian
Allerdale Borough Council
Work status
extant
Unveiling date
7th April 1896
Access
at all times
Inscription description
on upper granite drum: IN MEMORY OF THE CHILDHOOD OF / WILLIAM AND DOROTHY WORDSWORTH / BORN WITHIN SIGHT OF THIS FOUNTAIN / W. W. APRIL 7TH 1770 - D. W. XMAS (sic) DAY 1771; inscription on lower granite drum: WHO FEELS CONTEMPT FOR ANY LIVING THING / HATH FACULTIES THAT HE HATH NEVER USED