Survey Data
Reg No
40815050
Categories of Special Interest
Social, Technical
Original Use
Water pump
Date
1890 - 1930
Coordinates
234737, 432273
Date Recorded
10/09/2008
Date Updated
--/--/--
Description
Freestanding cast-iron water hydrant, erected c. 1910, comprising fluted shaft on moulded base surmounted by fluted domed capping with acorn finial over, and having lion's head motif to spout. Foundry mark 'Glenfield & Kennedy Ltd, Kilmarnock' to shaft. Located on footpath adjacent to corner-sited building at the junction of Upper Main Street and St. Mary’s Road to the north-west of the centre of Buncrana. Red block paving surround to pavement.
Appraisal
An attractive piece of mass produced cast-iron, which is an appealing and subtle feature in the streetscape to the north-west of the centre of Buncrana. This water hydrant is of particular importance as a reminder of the mechanisms installed for the supply of clean drinking water in the period before mains water supply systems. The various fluted details, and the moulded lion's head motif in particular, enhances the artistic design quality of the piece, and indicates the equal importance of aesthetics as well as functionality. It is also of social interest having served as an important amenity to the nearby houses and as a social gathering point. This lion's head motif may be a reference to the British Empire. The foundry mark indicates that it was made at the Glenfield and Kennedy Ltd. Foundry in Scotland, which was the major company selling cast-iron water mechanisms within the British Empire during the late-nineteenth and early-twentieth century. This simple item of street furniture makes a positive contribution to the streetscape, and is an integral element of the built heritage of Buncrana.