water pump

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. Pull lever to side. Foundry mark 'Glenfield & Kennedy Ltd, Kilmarnock' to shaft. Sited on footpath to the north/north-west of the Church of Ireland church at Convoy, and located to the centre of the village.

An attractive piece of mass-produced cast-iron, which is an appealing and subtle feature in the streetscape to the centre of the village of Convoy. This particular example is notable due to its excellent preservation. 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. 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 producing and selling cast-iron water mechanisms within the British Empire during the late-nineteenth and early-twentieth century. It may have moved to its present location from a site to the south (Ordnance Survey twenty-five inch map of 1906). This simple item of street furniture makes a positive contribution to the village of Convoy, and is an integral element of the built heritage and social history of the local area.