Trevelyan Fountain

Sir Charles Trevelyan served as the Governor of Madras from 1859 to 1860 and as the Indian Finance Minister from 1862 to 1865.

In 1859, Trevelyan proposed to the municipal commissioners of Madras the creation of a large park between the Esplanade and Vepery. An independent committee was formed to develop and manage the park, eventually handing it over to the Corporation. Named People's Park, it opened to the public in 1863. Due to Trevelyan's significant contributions, the park was briefly known as Trevelyan Park. The park's decline began with the allocation of space for swimming pools, gyms, tennis courts, and other facilities. Over time, several structures like Moore Market (1906), Ripon Building (1913), and Victoria Hall were built within the park. 

The Trevelyan Fountain, currently located on the grounds of Victoria Hall, was erected to commemorate Trevelyan's contributions to People's Park and the improvement of the city's drinking water supply. It was erected by Commissioners after Trevelyan's death in 1886.

The fountain features a terracotta bas-relief of Trevelyan's head on one side and a detailed bas-relief carving of a coat of arms on the other. The upper part shows a knight on horseback slaying a dragon, a motif commonly associated with St. George, the patron saint of England, symbolizing bravery and the triumph of good over evil. Below the knight, the shield displays a fortified structure, possibly a castle, representing strength, protection, and heritage. This type of carving is consistent with British colonial architecture, where such decorative elements were commonly used to convey authority, commemorate notable figures, and reflect cultural heritage.

Happy travelling.