Memorial Fountain - Marke Wood, Walmer, Kent, CT14 7LF - Converted Fountains on Waymarking.com

This former double sided drinking fountain has a bronze plaque attached inscribed; THESE GROUNDS / AND FOUNTAIN / WERE GIFTED BY / ROSAMOND / COUNTESSA DI SANT ELIA / IN AFFECTIONATE/ MEMORY OF THE / WISHES OF HER / MOTHER / AGNES MARKE WOOD / OF WALMER PLACE

In the early twentieth century Walmer and Deal were fortunate to have several wealthy residents who supported the development of many community spaces and resources. The Marke Wood family were residents of Walmer Place, a grand manor house with large gardens that Mrs Marke Wood often opened for charitable and fund raising events for organisations such as the Girl Guides and the Scouts.

One of Mrs Marke Wood's biggest contributions to the area was the purchase and provision of a permanent recreation ground for all the public to use. In 1926 Mrs Marke Wood began proceedings to buy a plot of land on the Walmer Castle Meadow but was refused, she then pursued the purchase of the land between the Walmer Place estate and the Dover Road from Transvall and Rhodesian Estates Ltd. Unfortunately Mrs Marke Wood died in May 1927 but her daughter the Contessa di Sant'Elia continued negotiations and the purchase of the land for £2500.

The Contessa di Sant'Elia unveiled a memorial fountain to her mother, which depicts children playing, at the inaugural opening of the park on 2nd August 1930. The fountain still stands and is the only reminder, except for the name, of the park's origins and development. 

Setting: Outside Place: Recreation area Use: Memorial

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