Fountains

The word « fountain » is first the place of a spring but also the building made to collect the water gushing from this spring (or supplied by a pipe). It becomes a “pond” when stone work is erected for the water area.

They should simultaneously decorate the place and like the wells, provide water for people and livestock. It is a place of meeting and social life, often at the heart of public places. Their number will start to increase from the 18^th century. From 1920, with the development of home water supply, they will lose their utility but remain decorative.

Fountains can be leaned against a slope or a building, associated with a washhouse or water trough or isolated (in squares or in the fields). The last one is what prevails on our territory.

© Fr. Lepennetier