The more churches there were in a town, there should be as many public
fountains. Under the ancient law, a tub was placed at the entrance of
the temples, in which the priests washed their hands and feet; under the
new, and in imitation, fountains were placed near the churches, where
the christians, before entering, washed their face and hands. This
remark was applicable especially, in Rouen, before the revolution, where
the number of churches and fountains was quite equal. There are not now
thirty seven parochial churches; but we can still count thirty six
public fountains, not including those in many private houses.
Of all these fountains, only seven merit particular attention, from
their architectural and historical character. They are the fountains of
the _Croix-de-Pierre_, the _Crosse_, the _Grosse-Horloge_, the
_Vieux-Marche_, the _Pucelle_, _Saint-Maclou_, and _Lisieux_.