Survey Data

Reg No

15322006


Rating

Regional


Categories of Special Interest

Architectural, Social, Technical


Original Use

Water pump


In Use As

Water pump


Date

1880 - 1900


Coordinates

241310, 237502


Date Recorded

08/09/2004


Date Updated

--/--/--


Description

Freestanding cast-iron water hydrant, erected c.1890, comprising fluted shaft on molded base with lion's head above, surmounted by fluted capping with acorn finial. Inscription 'Glenfield & Kennedy Ltd, Kilmarnock' to shaft. Horizontal pull lever now missing. Located in the southwest of the centre of Tyrrellspass adjacent to main road.

Appraisal

An attractive piece of mass produced cast-iron, which remains an appealing and subtle feature in the streetscape of Tyrrellspass. 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 at the time. 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.