Survey Data
Reg No
15401828
Rating
Regional
Categories of Special Interest
Social, Technical
Original Use
Water pump
In Use As
Water pump
Date
1870 - 1900
Coordinates
235603, 256835
Date Recorded
16/11/2004
Date Updated
--/--/--
Description
Freestanding cast-iron water pump, erected c.1885, comprising banded cylindrical shaft with fluted head having plain spout and ‘cow tail’ curvilinear handle. Cap now missing. Set on concrete plinth and surrounded by cement rendered boundary wall on three sides (open to road). Set back from road, just to the southwest of Sonna Roman Catholic chapel (15401827).
Appraisal
This appealing feature in the landscape represents an important early-surviving artifact in mass-produced cast-iron ware. The raised elements enhance the artistic quality of the piece, while the curvilinear 'cow-tail' handle in particular is an elegant feature of its design. The water pump is of particular importance as evidence of the mechanisms installed for the provision of clean drinking water in the period before mains water systems.