Description:This drinking fountain was erected on Gaol Square in 1889 by the widow of Thomas Sidney, in memory of her husband.
Thomas Sidney was born in a house on Gaol Square (now occupied by Radio Rentals) in 1805. He was educated at Stafford Grammar School and went on to become Lord Mayor of London, 1853 - 1854.
The fountain had basins for both horses and dogs. It was crowned by a figure of Samson, but was later replaced by a third lamp (seen here), which in turn was replaced by a four-dial clock (presented by George Bruckshaw to celebrate his fifty years residence in Stafford in 1916).
The fountain was destroyed in 1928 when a motor van ran into it; the clock was later restored and mounted on a new post near to its original site.
To the left of the fountain is Guisso Bros. ice cream cart.
Photograph donated by Stafford Historical and Civic Society, who retain copyright ownership.