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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

La Fontaine du Pied-Boulet, located in Angers in the Pays de la Loire, has its origins since 1227 with the mention of a well named Pié de Boulet. In 1416, Louis II, Duke of Anjou, had a house of the Saint-Maurice chapter shaved housing this well to build a fountain. It was renovated several times, notably in 1476, and then completely rebuilt in 1536 by architect Jean Delespine, who overcame it with a statue of Neptune in copper (sold in 1564). Declared in ruins, it was rebuilt between 1620 and 1622 under the impetus of Mayor François Lanier, with architect Gilles Constantin and fontanier Benjamin Bourdais. A stone dome was added in 1630 to protect it from damage.

In the 17th century, the fountain took on its final appearance: an octagonal basin covered with a stone dome, surmounted by a pedestal and an obelisk crowned with a ball and a cross (made during restorations). In 1677 Jean-Baptiste Leclerc, the king's master fontainerier, improved his water supply. In the 18th century, major works were carried out, including the installation of a hydraulic machine in 1784 by the mechanic Letourneau. The fountain, often maintained, was classified as a historical monument in 1965. After a period of abandonment, it was restored in 1989, regaining its obelisk and cross, as on ancient drawings.

The Latin inscriptions on the pedestal, partially transcribed in 1778, bear witness to the many interventions throughout the centuries. A bronze plaque dating back to 1622 and commemorative tables (notably for mayors François Boucault in 1732 and Jean Guignard in 1894) recall his turbulent history. Although threatened with displacement in 1905 in an aborted urban project, it remains at its original location, rue de la Baudrière, symbol of the hydraulic and architectural heritage of Angers.

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