Buxton Memorial Fountain, Victorian Gothic memorial fountain at Victoria Tower Gardens, Westminster, United Kingdom
This memorial is an octagonal structure made of polished marble with granite basins and decorative bronze figures depicting English rulers. The surfaces are adorned with colorful mosaics created from Italian smalti that were made in Venice.
The memorial was built in 1865 to commemorate the freeing of enslaved people in British territories and honor parliamentarians who supported the 1833 Abolition Act. It symbolizes the parliamentary fight against slavery in the 1800s.
The fountain displays mosaic panels showing scenes from Aesop's Fables, created in Venetian workshops and reflecting a connection to classical stories. These decorative elements show how Victorian designers blended European artistic traditions with British values.
The memorial stands in Victoria Tower Gardens near the Houses of Parliament and is easily reached by public transport. Visitors should know that the area becomes busy during parliamentary sessions and access may be restricted at times.
The memorial was originally placed in Parliament Square before being moved to Victoria Tower Gardens in 1957. This relocation shows how urban planning changed while preserving its link to parliamentary history.
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