water pump

Freestanding cast-iron water hydrant, erected c.1870, on moulded base with fluted shaft, fluted dome and acorn finial. Maker’s name and bucket shelf to shaft. Pull handle to side. Cement rendered wall with mild steel railings to south.

This is a good example of a late nineteenth century cast-iron water hydrant with artistic detailing unnecessary for a functional object. It retains the shelf on which the person drawing water would have rested their bucket. This is an important element of the street furniture of Portumna and was used for the provision of fresh drinking water in the period before the availability of a mains water supply to houses.