The American Fountain near junction of Rother StreetThe American fountain/clock monument this stands in the market square on Rother Street and was donated by George W. Childs (1829 -1894), of Philadelphia, an American publisher in 1887 to mark Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee.
He was a well known philanthropist, he also erected memorial windows in Westminster Abbey to the poets William Cowper and George Herbert.
The large Gothic Clock Tower, with sculptures of eagles and lions is an imposing example of design and architecture of the period. The original tower incorporated a fountaint which is now no longer functional.
You will see not only American Eagles but also English Lions and a fairy from A Midsummer Night's Dream as part of the stonework.
It was unveiled by the English actor Henry Irving.
Portrayed above each clock face is a representation of a fairy inspired by Shakespeare in 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'.