The village pump was once the focal point of community life, not only providing the main source of clean water, but also a place to gather and exchange news. Today, it is difficult to imagine what it must have been like to have no instant access to clean running water, but I know that the single biggest irritation when we camp (which I love to do) is having to collect and carry water. It makes me appreciate the ease of turning on a tap - especially for hot water at washing up time!
Most village pumps were cast iron and all companies had their individual markings for identification, though weathering often renders them unreadable. I think that the shape and arrangement of the lettering of the Hanbury pump are consistent with the stamp of the makers Appleby and Co., who were an ironworks in Renishaw near Chesterfield, Derbyshire, between 1793 and 1999. (To see if you agree, follow the link to this website http://www.villagepumps.org.uk/manufs.htm )
No comments:
Post a Comment