The first drink from the fountain since the 1960s Picture: Shepton Mallet Town Council

150-year-old Somerset drinking fountain not turned on since the 60s now open to the public

Tait ap EllisSeptember 27, 20240 Comment0

A 150-year-old drinking fountain is now open to the public in Shepton Mallet.

A ceremony took place today (September 27) to officially open the grade II-listed Victorian-era fountain in the Market Place.

Believed to have been inaugurated in 1868, the fountain was decommissioned some time ago. However, now, 156 years on, it has been reopened thanks to work by Shepton Mallet Town Council.

Speaking at the ceremony, a spokesperson for Shepton Mallet Town Council said: “A big thank you to staff who have helped deliver this.

“The Drinking Fountain Association gave us a significant grant towards it, sourced by our excellent grants officer.

“Three years ago, when we were resurfacing the town centre there was the opportunity to bring the water main across for a very limited cost with the hope in some stage in the future to be able to do what we are doing today.

“We don’t believe it’s been on since the 1960s.”