Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Fountain of the English, located in Capdenac in the Lot department (Occitanie), is a troglodytic monument composed of two basins on the cliff side, more than 120 meters above the Lot. Its access is via a staircase of Cent Marches, dug in the rock, from Saint-Andrieu Square. Although its origin may date back to ancient times, its present development dates mainly from the Middle Ages, with subsequent redevelopments.

The fountain is characterized by broken arch cover and lead basin bottoms, suggesting sustainable use and strategic importance for water supply. The site, listed as a historical monument on June 2, 2003, illustrates the ingenuity of medieval hydraulics and their integration into the natural landscape. Its capture device and its rock-cut staircase demonstrate remarkable technical know-how.

Owned by the town of Capdenac, the fountain is a typical example of medieval collective infrastructure, essential for everyday life. These fountains were used not only for drinking water but also for community uses, such as washing or drinking animals. Their high location, as here, could also play a defensive or strategic role in the context of the villages perched in the Middle Ages.

Historical sources mention a possible ancient origin, redeveloped in medieval and modern times. However, precise archaeological or documentary evidence is lacking to accurately date the first facilities. The designation of historic monuments in 2003 helped to protect this unique heritage, while highlighting its architectural and historical interest in the Occitan region.

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