It was built in 1865 in memory of the Duke of Wellington, a loyal servant of the British Crown who visited Bombay in 1801 and 1804. The fountain was one of the first impressions of the city the visitor arriving via Gateway of India had. Hailed for being one of the first men to write on the philosophy of the Indian famine, the Duke was honoured with this monument. It was built in the Neo-Classical style at a cost of Rs 12,000 by public subscription, the fountain’s site was chosen by Henry Conybeare, where the Duke had occupied tents of residence (Esplanade) during his visits. Designed by Lt Colonel JJ Scott, its construction was overseen by General Augustus Fuller