The Halton House was created in the 1880’s for Alfred de Rothschild, and has a rich history going back to the Norman Conquest in the 11th century. Rothschild had the present fabulous mansion built, the grounds landscaped and hosted lavish events there for 30 years, up to the beginning of World War I. Part of the landscaping was a three-tier mermaid fountain in 16th-century Italianate style. Weather damage has reduced the fountain to the single tier that is seen today. map
The Fountain has three mermaids and also has other sea creatures which are hard to discern in current photos. When the fountain is operating a jet of water shoots up several feet from the center.
The Halton House estate was purchased by the Royal Air Force in 1918, and has since served as an Officer’s Mess, and is at times used for weddings and occasionally is used as a site for film shoots.
On some occasions it is also made open to the public.
References:
● https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Halton_House
● The Mermaids of Earth coffee-table book: See page 37 in the book about this sculpture.
