Mealsgate.org.uk - The George Moore Connection

This large and impressive granite fountain to the memory of his first wife, Eliza Ray, was erected by George Moore in 1872, some fourteen years after her death and about eleven years after he wed his second wife, Agnes Breeks. It stands imposingly in the triangular market place in the centre of Wigton where George Moore served his apprenticeship as a draper. On each side of the fountain is a bronze relief by the famous pre-Raphaelite sculptor Thomas Woolner showing the Acts of Mercy, 'Visiting the Afflicted', 'Clothing the Naked', 'Instructing the Ignorant' and ' Feeding the Hungry'. Above each sculpture is a carving of the face of Mrs Eliza Moore surrounded by leaves.