Survey Data
Reg No
40844009
Rating
Regional
Categories of Special Interest
Social, Technical
Original Use
Water pump
Date
1890 - 1930
Coordinates
161889, 376191
Date Recorded
03/12/2007
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, and having lion's head motif to spout. Out of use with lever now missing. Foundry mark 'Glenfield & Kennedy Ltd, Kilmarnock' to shaft. Sited in recess in boundary wall of house adjacent to footpath, and located to the east end of Main Street, Cill Chartha/Kilcar.
Appraisal
An attractive piece of mass produced cast-iron, which is an appealing and subtle feature in the streetscape to east end of Cill Chartha/Kilcar. 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 Cill Chartha/Kilcar.