Diana Fountain

Diana Fountain is a bronze fountain in Bushy Park, London, featuring a gilded central statue surrounded by four pairs of mermaids and boys. The entire structure sits within a large circular pool and creates an eye-catching focal point along Chestnut Avenue.

This fountain was created in the 1630s and originally stood at Somerset House before being moved to Hampton Court Palace. It arrived at its current location in Bushy Park in 1713 and has remained there since.

The central figure represents either Diana or Arethusa, showing how artists of that era drew on ancient myths and classical stories. This choice reflects the period's love for Renaissance artistic traditions and Greek and Roman themes.

The fountain sits along Chestnut Avenue, which leads toward Hampton Court Palace, and is easily accessible via park pathways. The location is flat and open, making it simple to view and photograph the fountain from different angles.

During World War II, the empty fountain pool became part of Camp Griffiss, where military commanders planned D-Day operations. This hidden chapter reveals how historical sites sometimes served unexpected military purposes.