Inscriptions: Clock
I N H O N O R E M V I C T O R I Æ D. G. B R I T T. R E G.
A.D. M D C C X C V I I D U O D E C I M I A M L U S T R A C O M P L E N T I S
P O N T E M I S T U M C U M H O R O L O G I O P A R A N D U M
C U R A V I T C U M U X O R E G. H E R B E R T U S M O R R E L L S E N A T O R
G. Herbert Morrell M.P., together with his wife, arranged for
this bridge
to be provided with a clock in honour of Victoria,
by the Grace of God Queen of the Britains,
who
now in 1897 has completed
twelve lustra
The above inscription, although referring to the clock on the Plain roundabout, is situated just under the drinking fountain.
A lustrum is a five-year period, so "twelve lustra" means 60 years: Herbert Morrell, the wealthy brewer who lived at Headington Hill Hall in St Clement's parish, gave the clock to commemorate Victoria's Diamond Jubilee
The fountain and clock were not actually opened until 1899, two years after the Jubilee.
L Y M P H A C A D I T
R U I T H O R A
S A G A X B I B E
C A R P E F U G A C E M
The water falls
The hour goes by
Be wise and drink,
Seize the swift-flying time
This inscription under the clock,
with one word on each facet of the octagonal roof,
refers both to the clock and the fountain below