Tuesday 12 May 2009, the workmen/workwomen moved onto the site of the new library in Paignton. I use the libraries here in Torbay fairly often and I am beginning to think I will soon have read all the books I want to so a bigger library is most welcome. I wonder when it will open.
This Lady stands at the north end of Babbacombe Downs. I have no idea who she if, or was, or why she stands here. Some kind soul has put some flowers in here hand to brighten up her day.
3 comments:
Hi Dave, the lady is Georgiana, Baroness Mount-Temple.
Lady Mount-Temple sister of Lord Tollemache of Helmington a great humanitarian whose interest included the Band of Mercy founded by Lord Mount-Temple, Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, the Anti-Vivisection Society and the Temperance Movement.
She resided at Babbacombe Cliff ( later re-named Babbacombe Cliff Hotel now converted into flats ) during various periods of the year until 1894 she became a permanent resident. Fed birds from the veranda at the front of her residence, interested in the protection of wild birds. Georgina Baroness Mount-Temple died on October 17th 1901.
On the northern end of Babbacombe Downs is a bronze statue erected by her friends in her memory ( sculpture Mr A. G. Walker). In the presence of the Mayor Cllr Mr J Taylor unveiled by her great friend Archdeacon Basil Wilberforce on a wet and stormy day in October 9th 1903.
The basin and the pedestal of the fountain on which it stands are of a greenish black basalt from Trusham in the Teign Valley, the pedestal stands on a base of grey Ashburton marble from H. Jenkins & Son Union Street ( business ceased trading ).
The flowers are a story in themselves, apparently it dates back to the gardeners who looked after Babbacombe Downs and they used to always place flowers in her hand, and it has just carried on from there- I must admit I will put a flower there if she hasn't got any.
Thanks for that infomation Ex DG
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