Survey Data
Reg No
41310004
Rating
Regional
Categories of Special Interest
Artistic, Social, Technical
Original Use
Water pump
Date
1875 - 1880
Coordinates
283801, 303837
Date Recorded
05/11/2011
Date Updated
--/--/--
Description
Freestanding cast-iron water pump, erected 1876, refurbished c.2010. Comprising banded shaft, with moulded spout, fluted cap with pointed finial, and with curved cow's tail pumping arm. Set on recent plinth of stone setts. Panel of ashlar masonry provides backdrop, set against rubble wall, with heavily moulded curvilinear head-with-checks, bearing inscribed crucifix and IHS, with inscription below reading 'WHO DRINKS HEREAT SHALL THIRST AGAIN/BUT WATERS ARE IN STORE/SO PURE SO DEEP THAT ALL WHO WILL/MAY DRINK AND THIRST NO MORE/ERECTED BY EPS ANN 1876'.
Appraisal
This cast-iron water pump has been well maintained, but its highly unusual backdrop provides the main interest. This is inscribed with a message making reference to the water as a life-giving force in this world and the next. Its dating reflects an era of considerable progress in providing public infrastructure such as water supply.