Memorial drinking fountain and railings

Location

Near the centre of The Triangle in a prominent position in Alltwen.

History

Granite later C19 drinking fountain erected 1895 in memory of Howel Gwyn Esq. of Dyffryn (d 1888), the main Victorian benefactor of Neath.

Exterior

Gothic drinking fountain in grey and pink granite. Square plan. Two-step plinth, base with chamfered top, then next step with deep chamfer, cornice moulding above under fountain itself which has pink granite face with arched recess over moulded half-bowl projections to front and rear, framed in angle columns of grey granite carrying large spire-type finial. Left and right faces in pink granite with wording on left
'This fountain was erected by the inhabitants of Alltwen and district in memory of the late Howel Gwyn Esq JP DL Dyffryn Neath Sept 4th 1895' and 'Adailadwyd y ffynonell Hon can breswylwyr Alltwen a'r Gymmydocaeth er cof am y dwieddar Howel Gwyn Yswr JP DL Dyffryn Neath Sept 4th 1895' on right.
Heavy plain gables each face around base of spire, which is four sided, then moulded pink granite string course, above which spire is octagonal with top bronze ring and socket (possibly for missing finial).
Square enclosure of spearhead iron rails with top and bottom rails, larger similar stanchions.

Reason for designation

Included for its special historic interest as a well designed Victorian drinking fountain in memory of a eminent politician within the Neath area.