The Atlas Fountain was first turned on in October 1853, upon the completion of improvements to the South Parterre commissioned by the 7th Earl of Carlisle. Carved from Portland stone by John Thomas, the Atlas Fountain was the centrepiece of an embroidered parterre design by William Andrews Nesfield which replaced the earlier 18th-century terraces. 

As part of our ongoing maintenance programme the Atlas Fountain will be switched off for cleaning during May. This work must be done in warmer weather when there is the least risk of frost damaging the structure. Work to clean the fountain will take place using a specialist low pressure steam cleaner which will cause no damage to the fabric, and also help to kill algae growth on the fountain.

We will also use this opportunity to assess the overall condition of the fountain in order to identify any future repair work. The lower bowl of the fountain has started leaking so this needs to be assessed and a repair solution found; some of the more delicate parts of the structure have also been damaged over recent years by frost and general wear and these will be inspected. 

Once the survey has been undertaken this will allow us to plan and budget for the repairs, to fit in with other commitments and priorities for the upkeep and maintenance of the Castle Howard Estate.

We are sorry for the inconvenience. 

Carl Bradford, Head of Building Services