Field Visit
Date 2 August 1999
Event ID 612466
Category Recording
Type Field Visit
Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/event/612466
Four-sided architectural structure topped by a tapering stone top and urn with garlands.Coat of arms of Edinburgh in relief on the south side, with a large basin beneath (concreted in). The Edinburgh coat of arms is composed of a shield decorated with a three-towered castle on a rock, surmounted by an anchor and flanked by a maiden and a hind.
On the north side is the coat of arms of Richardson: a shield decorated with a bull's head (top), two fleurs de lis (centre) and a galley (bottom). Above the shield is a helmet in profile with a closed barred visor, surmounted by a hand in armour holding a sword. All flanked by large-leaved foliage.
Inscriptions : On ribbon above Richardson coat of arms (raised letters):
VIRTUTE ACQUI[RI]TUR [H]ONOS (= Honour is acquired by virtue)
On ribbon above Edinburgh coat of arms (raised letters):
NISI DOMINUS FRUSTRA
On cast iron plaque on east side:
THE / WEST-BOW WELL / ERECTED BY / THE TOWN COUNCIL / 1674 / REPAIRED & ALTERED / BY / RICHARDSON BROTHERS / MERCHANTS WEST-BOW / 1861
Signatures : None
Design period : 1674
Year of unveiling : 1674 / 1861
Information from Public Monuments and Sculpture Association (PMSA Work Ref : EDIN0136)