King George V Memorial Fountain
Lutyens-designed waterfront memorial honouring King George V with monumental sculptural figures.
A Grade II-listed memorial fountain on Narrow Quay in Bristol's city centre, honouring King George V with elegant sculptural figures. Designed by renowned architect Sir Edwin Lutyens and completed in 1982, this striking public artwork features monumental figures sourced from a former building and stands as a testament to early 20th-century commemorative design. The fountain occupies a prominent position overlooking the waterfront and remains a notable landmark in Bristol's civic landscape.
A brief summary to King George V Memorial Fountain
- Narrow Quay, Bristol, BS1 4AH, GB
- Duration: 0.25 to 1 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit during daylight hours to fully appreciate the sculptural details and the fountain's relationship to the surrounding waterfront architecture.
- The memorial is accessible year-round as a public outdoor monument; no tickets or reservations are required.
- Combine your visit with exploration of nearby Broad Quay House and the wider Bristol waterfront, which contains numerous other historic landmarks and public artworks.
- Photography is excellent from multiple angles, particularly when the light catches the sculptural figures and reflects off the water.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Trash Bins
Getting There
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Bus
Multiple bus routes serve Bristol city centre with stops on or near Broad Street and Quay Street, approximately 150–200 metres from the memorial. Journey times from Bristol Temple Meads station are typically 10–15 minutes depending on traffic. Single fares cost around £1.80–£2.50 within the city zone.
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Train
Bristol Temple Meads railway station is the main transport hub, located approximately 800 metres south of the memorial. A 10–12 minute walk through the city centre leads directly to Narrow Quay, or local buses provide connections in 5–10 minutes for approximately £1.80–£2.50.
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Cycling
Bristol's extensive cycle network includes dedicated lanes leading to the waterfront. Bike parking is available at multiple locations near Broad Quay House and throughout the city centre. Journey times from central locations are typically 5–15 minutes depending on starting point.
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Walking
The memorial is easily reached on foot from Bristol city centre. From Cabot Circus shopping centre, allow 8–10 minutes; from St Augustine the Less church, approximately 5 minutes. The route follows paved city streets with level access throughout.
King George V Memorial Fountain location weather suitability
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Any Weather
Discover more about King George V Memorial Fountain
A Royal Tribute in Bronze and Stone
The King George V Memorial Fountain stands on Narrow Quay as one of Bristol's most distinctive public monuments. Commissioned to honour the first monarch of the House of Windsor, this Grade II-listed memorial was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, one of Britain's most celebrated architects. The fountain's composition features monumental sculptural figures that were repurposed from a former building, creating a unique blend of salvaged architectural heritage and commemorative purpose. The memorial was completed and installed in its current location in 1982, following careful restoration and relocation efforts.Design and Artistic Significance
The fountain's design reflects Lutyens' characteristic approach to memorial architecture, combining classical restraint with dignified monumentality. The sculptural elements were originally part of the CWS (Co-operative Wholesale Society) building before being relocated to create this memorial. The arrangement of figures around the fountain creates a sense of formal ceremony appropriate to the subject matter. The fountain's placement on the narrow quayside, adjacent to Broad Quay House, positions it as a focal point for both pedestrians and those arriving by water. The use of monumental figures gives the memorial a presence that transcends its modest footprint, making it a significant visual anchor in Bristol's waterfront district.Historical Context and Commemoration
King George V reigned from 1910 until his death in 1936, a period that encompassed the First World War and significant constitutional changes in the British monarchy. The memorial was funded through public subscription, reflecting widespread civic support for honouring the late monarch. The inscription on the memorial reads "In Memory of King George V 1910–1936," marking his reign and establishing the fountain as a permanent record of his significance to the nation. Bristol's decision to commission this memorial demonstrated the city's engagement with national commemoration and its role as a major urban centre during the interwar period.Waterfront Setting and Urban Integration
Located on Narrow Quay, the fountain occupies a historically significant waterfront location that has long served as a gathering place and commercial hub. The quayside setting provides natural views across the water and creates an open, accessible environment for visitors. The fountain's proximity to Broad Quay House, completed in 1982 with funding from the King George V Memorial Fund, reinforces the memorial's integration into the broader urban fabric. The waterfront location ensures the fountain remains visible to both residents and visitors navigating Bristol's city centre, maintaining its role as a public monument and point of civic pride.Restoration and Preservation
Like many public monuments, the King George V Memorial Fountain has required careful conservation to maintain its condition and appearance. The relocation to its present site in 1982 involved restoration work to ensure the sculptural elements and fountain mechanism were preserved for future generations. The Grade II listing provides statutory protection, ensuring that any future alterations or maintenance work must meet heritage conservation standards. This designation recognises the fountain's architectural and historical importance as a work by a master architect and as a significant example of early 20th-century commemorative design.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Lutyens-designed waterfront memorial honouring King George V with monumental sculptural figures.
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Location Audience
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