Monument to Richard and Mary Barlow-Kennet, generous benefactors of Petersfield

In the south east corner of the central car park, by Folly Lane, is a derelict water fountain dated 1882.

This was originally in the Town Square and provided drinking water for people and  animals.

It  was provided by Richard and Mary Barlow-Kennet who supported many causes including Alms Houses for the poor of Petersfield.

They made many generous donations, leaving what in today’s money would be £2m to charities and supported many causes including, and unusually for the times, animal welfare; like the huge donation to the RSPCA, and Battersea Dogs’ Home and they banned fox hunting on their land.

Local historian Bill Gosney tells their story – from research undertaken by Pearl Gosney –  to Mike Waddington.