water pump

Freestanding cast-iron water hydrant, erected c. 1900, comprising fluted shaft on molded base with moulded spout, and with fluted capping having acorn finial over. Pull lever to side. Now disused. Inscription 'Glenfield & Kennedy Ltd, Kilmarnock' to shaft. Located on grass verge, adjacent to road junction along N4, to the north of Newtown-Forbes

A simple piece of mass produced cast-iron, which remains an appealing and subtle feature in the landscape to the north of Newtown-Forbes. 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 and fluted details, and the acorn finial, 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. Water hydrants are becoming increasingly neglected throughout the countryside, making this example an interesting and well-preserved example of its type.