The James Martin Fountain stands close to the People`s Palace in Glasgow Green.

This elaborate cast-iron Moorish canopy was erected in 1893 to honour James Martin (1815-92), a local bailie (senior councillor). He is remembered for his opposition to the council`s speculative development on Woodlands Hill. This expensive building venture was undertaken to provide homes for the rich at a time when the East End`s housing was in an appalling state.

The fountain is decorated with the city`s coat of arms, flowers, birds, lions and various strange-looking beasts, and was made in the Possilpark area of Glasgow in the world-famous Saracen iron foundry of Walter Macfarlane. The fountain originally stood outside Langside Halls.

This article is based on the guidebook "The Glasgow Guide".

This intricate fountain is a good example of the very high class of ironwork which was produced in Glasgow.