water pump

Freestanding cast-iron water hydrant, erected c. 1895, comprising fluted shaft on moulded base with lion's head motif to spout, surmounted by fluted capping with acorn finial over. Now disused. Inscription 'Glenfield & Kennedy Ltd, Kilmarnock' to shaft. Original pull lever now missing. Located on a footpath to the northwest of Drumlish.

An attractive piece of mass produced cast-iron, which remains an appealing and subtle feature in the streetscape/landscape to the northwest of Drumlish. This water hydrant is of particular importance as a reminder of the mechanisms installed for the provision of clean drinking water in the period before mains water supply systems. The various raised details enhance the artistic design quality of the piece, and indicate the equal importance of aesthetics as well as functionality. The manufacturers of this piece, Glenfield and Kennedy Ltd, were the major company selling cast-iron water mechanisms within the British Empire during the late-nineteenth and early-twentieth century. They were based in Kilmarnock, Scotland, and had workshops that spread over 26 acres (c. 1936). Their products were sold internationally, and the company maintained offices in London, as well as Calcutta and Bombay, India.