Named "the most photographed lampost in Devon", this beautifully painted, ornamental lampost is situated on a small roundabout near the Umbourne bridge at the eastern end of Colyton, and is an absolute delight. An unusually ornate Victorian cast iron post, the decoration includes a coat of arms on the base and a garland around the stem.
Some of the other details can be seen in the above photo, painstakingly painted in colour against a white background. Apparently, there were several similar lamposts in and around the city of Exeter, but sadly they were sold off to private purchasers when new roads were built or old ones widened or redirected, and new, modern lamposts were installed. I believe a few of the decorated ones found their way into private gardens.
The other lampost, below, began life as a drinking fountain. So, it isn't exactly in the same category as the decorated ones, but I felt it definitely deserved a look and a mention. Taken at a different time, I used some old Kodak stock film that a friend had given me for the drinking fountain, which produced a rather pastelly look with a blue overcast. I always meant to go back and take some more but never managed to get around to it. Story of my life, lol.
Erected on March the 10th, 1863, with the surplus of funds collected to commemorate the wedding of the then Prince of Wales, the inscription reads...
"March 10 1863 has been devoted to the erection of this fountain by the patriotic protestants of Colyton, as a permanent memorial of that national triumph and vindication of their own loyalty by vote of committee".
Interestingly, during the Monmouth rebellion of 1664, Colyton earned an entry in Chancery records as "the most rebellious town in Devon". As they had sided with the protestants we can see why they were keen to show their loyalty to the Crown and be forgiven for their rebellion.
Manufactured by Garton & King, Iron Founders of Exeter, who can trace their trading history back to 1661. They have a fab website including their well documented history, which I've added the link to below.
http://www.exeterfoundry.org.uk/
And two more views of the first painted lamp post, showing its somewhat precarious position at the junction, where - if memory serves - it's been accidentally driven into on more than one occasion!
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