The crocodile hiding on Liskeard’s 1871 fountain gets a repair

There is a crocodile on Barras Street. It has been there since 1871, tucked in among carved bullrushes near the top of a stone fountain, and most people walk straight past it.

Now it is about to get some attention. Liskeard Town Council says safety fencing will be going up around The Fountain and its horse trough as work begins to protect and restore the landmark in the centre of Liskeard.

What the work involves

The fountain was designed by Henry Rice and built in 1871. According to the town council, the work will repair areas damaged by age and weather, including parts of the decorative frieze.

The historic animal trough will also be cleaned, and its lettering will be carefully repainted.

One thing will not be coming back. The water supply to the drinking bowls will not be reinstated. But the council says the conservation work will help return the fountain to its former appearance and make sure it remains an important feature of Barras Street for years to come.

The creatures in the stonework

The frieze runs around the top section of the fountain, and the town council describes it as one of the structure’s most fascinating features.

Look closely and there is a whole collection of animals hidden among the decoration. The council lists small birds, snakes, newts, frogs, a stoat, and the crocodile in the bullrushes.

The restoration team will make careful repairs to these details, paying particular attention to the small sculptures.

Fencing and more information

An information panel will be fixed to the fencing so people passing by can read about the history of The Fountain while the work is carried out.

Further information is available on the Liskeard Town Council website, or from the Facilities Team at [email protected].

📷The Fountain on Barras Street, Liskeard. Credit: Liskeard Town Council