The fountain and pairs of surrounding sculptures has been designated by English Heritage as a Grade II listed building.

In anticipation of this visit, William Cavendish, 6th Duke of Devonshire, decided to construct the world's highest fountain, and set Joseph Paxton to work to build it.

The work was finished in just six months, early in 1844, and the resulting water jet is on record as reaching a height of 296 feet (90 m).

[3] Because of the limited supply of water, the fountain usually runs on partial power and only reaches half its full height, but occasionally it is switched to maximum flow.

[5] Gilkes of Kendal installed three vortex turbines and a generator in an underground chamber, approximately 120 m (400 feet) down the hill from the Emperor Lake.