Historic drinking fountain returns home

A drinking fountain has returned to its original home after 90 years as part of a major revamp of a city centre.

Lawson's Monument was presented to Carlisle in 1861 by Sir Wilfred Lawson, a prominent MP and leader of the temperance movement, and located in Court Square.

In the 1930s, it was removed during the construction of underground public toilets and taken to Stony Holme, but has now been reinstated in the newly-pedestrianised square.

Leader of Cumberland Council Mark Fryer said: "This is a beautiful piece of our city's history, and its relocation is an exciting symbol of the wider transformation taking place."

The council described the return as an early milestone in the £40.5m Carlisle Station Gateway Project, which will continue through 2027 and is aimed at making the area more accessible to residents and visitors.

Councillor Anne Quilter said: "Lawson's Monument has been part of our city's story for almost two centuries and its return to Court Square brings that history back into the daily life of the city.

"The area has always been an important place for our community and the recent discovery of the historic well adds another fascinating chapter to that story.

"By integrating these historic features into our modern spaces, we're making sure they can be enjoyed, appreciated and celebrated by everyone for years to come."

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