Survey Data
Reg No
40838039
Rating
Regional
Categories of Special Interest
Social, Technical
Original Use
Water pump
Date
1890 - 1930
Coordinates
215151, 395211
Date Recorded
25/09/2007
Date Updated
--/--/--
Description
Freestanding cast-iron water hydrant, erected c. 1910, comprising fluted shaft on moulded base surmounted by fluted domed capping with acorn finial over, lever to west face, and having lion's head motif to spout (north). Now out of use. Foundry mark 'Glenfield & Kennedy Ltd, Kilmarnock' to shaft. Located on footpath adjacent to main road to the east of the centre of Stranorlar. Two semi-detached single-storey vernacular houses adjacent to the south-west.
Appraisal
An attractive piece of mass produced cast-iron, which is an appealing and subtle feature in the streetscape to the east of the centre of Stranorlar. 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 selling cast-iron water mechanisms within the British Empire during the late-nineteenth and early-twentieth century. This simple item of street furniture makes a positive contribution to the streetscape, and is an integral element of the built heritage of Stranorlar. It is one of two similar hydrants in close proximity to the east of Stranorlar.