• In 1898 it was built and given to the city.
• It was originally situated in the Market Square in front of the Guildhall.
• In 1967 it was moved to the Bishops Road Gardens and the water basins were removed.
• It is currently still in Bishops Road Gardens as a memorial monument.

Architecture:

It was designed by Mr James Ruddle, an architect of Peterborough and was constructed by Messrs. Roberts, of Stamford.

As it was a gift from Mrs Gates, it was her wish for it to take on some characteristics of the old Eleanor Crosses. It is therefore, a slender Gothic structure, over 9m (30 ft) high, octagonal in shape and divided into 3 stages.

The lower stage originally carried the water basins, made of Aberdeen granite, and taps under a canopy on each side, which stood on a platform of concrete 2.74m (9ft) thick.

The middle stage is panelled, the heads being filled with rich tracery and separated by buttresses carried on carved corbels. There is also a plaque on one side inscribed, 'In memory of Henry Pearson Gates, first Mayor of this city'. On the other 3 sides are the shields of the Henry family and the City of Peterborough.

The upper stage is open, standing on a moulded weathering with battlement transoms. On top of this is a richly carved cornice with carved pinnacles at each angle and a slender spire surmounted by a Maltese cross. The main material used is Clipsham stone and the 3 steps at the bottom were made from patent Victorian stone.

Social history:

The memorial was a gift to the city from Mrs Gates, the widow of the late Henry Pearson Gates. She presented the fountain to the Mayor and asked him to accept it on behalf of the present and future inhabitants of the city. It was hoped that the fountain would provide refreshment to the wayfarer and the weary.

Henry Pearson Gates was born on October 20th 1813 and died on May 6th 1893. During his lifetime he achieved many great things and was a prominent figure in the city; he was the first Mayor of Peterborough and he held the position on 3 separate occasions. He was the official secretary for the Bishop for nearly 25 years and the High Bailiff of the city, as well as the High Sheriff of Hunts and Cambs. He also generously contributed to the Cathedral, having also been a member of the Kings School.