Trotter Memorial Drinking Fountain, Front Street West, Bedlington

Image: © Geoff Holland Taken: 27 Sep 2022

The 1899-erected drinking fountain https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7295831, which is constructed of red sandstone ashlar with white marble and pink granite, is Grade II Listed. James Trotter, was a Scottish doctor who used to holiday in Bedlington, and eventually moved here in 1864. He became a councillor and well-loved character spending his life battling to improve the town’s living conditions. As a consequence of his work, sanitation and water supply were revolutionised. He was also a respected speaker and writer with a wry sense of humour, earning him great affection locally. After his death, public subscription allowed the erection of this drinking-fountain in his honour. Unfortunately, as can be seen in this photograph, the metal fitment for the dispensing of water has been removed and, therefore, the fountain no longer performs its primary function. However, it stands as a fitting memorial to a key figure in Bedlington’s past

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