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This must be one of the
most fanciful pumps in England, right in the centre of the town, beautifully
kept, to be admired by locals and visitors alike. The 3-sided housing is of
cast iron, with the (strapped down) pump handle protruding from one side. Each
base panel carries an inscription, and one also displays a fine "coat of arms".
The spout is in the form of a happy herring, with more herrings disporting
themselves further up. On top of this comes a large electrically-illuminated
globe and finally, right at the top, is a St. Edmund's crown, pierced by
arrows. Amazing.
Markings: Pump obscured by
housing. Not able to check for markings.
Manufacturer: Child Foundry,
Southwold. |
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| Sited in front of the Swan Hotel. |
St
Edmund's Crown with the letters "E" and "W" and a couple of herrings above and
below. Inscribed:
"Defend Thay Ryghts". |
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Inscribed:
"Pro Bono Publico G.E.Child Fecit" |
Inscribed:
"Erected 1873 J.E.Grubbe Esq. Mayor". |
| But there are other
pumps in Southwold, well away from public view: |
 |
Who has
ever seen this one, I wonder? It's tucked away in a backyard off Mill
Street.
Markings:
Can't get close enough to check.
Manufacturer: Unk. |
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And how
many golfers walk close by this very large and rusty remnant of a pump, in the
middle of an enormous bramble patch, and never notice it? It's on the edge of
the Town Marshes, and marked on the 1890 map of Southwold.
Markings: None.
Manufacturer: Unk. |
 |
This
semi-rotary - complete with air vessel - was on a spoil heap outside a house
that was being renovated in 2007, overlooking the green at Godyll Rd. No doubt
it would later have found its way to a
reclamation/architectural salvage dealer's yard.
Markings: Flag, and "Made in England", and "No.
5".
Manufacturer: Lee
Howl. |
 |
Despite
many previous visits to Southwold it took a tip-off from pump-hunter John Hurst
before I found this one, just off the High St.
Markings: None.
Manufacturer: Unk. |
 |
And
this one in Field Stile Rd.
Markings: Flag
and a roundel.
Manufacturer: Lee
Howl. |