Stalbridge (click on photograph to bring up bigger/better version).

"The Town Pump of Stalbridge, not often the subject of reparis, was mentioned in a complaint at the Manorial Court in 1803, when it was stated '...the town pump and shute and Guggleton Well are greatly annoyed (sic) by persons cleaning pigs innards, Bellys etc.'" (Stalbridge Manorial Court book 1781 - 1841 D/484 DRO) In the Stalbridge Estate 1780 - 1854 by I Jones.

	An impressive decorated cast iron pump on "The Ring", practically identical to ones at Hampton Court Palace (East Molesey) and Esher, Surrey; Ickenham, Greater London; Cranfield, Beds; Brasted, Kent; and Ipplepen, Devon. Photo supplied by Robert Ore - thanks, Rob. Local historian Hilary Townsend tells me that it was originally at a site at the top of Station Road, known as the Pump House. This Pump House, now a Listed Building, had had a previous existence as the entrance porch to a Congregational Chapel and carries a date of 1885, which I'm assuming was when it changed its role, a new chapel having been built nearby some years earlier. The redundant pump was moved to its present position on The Ring at some stage after mains water was brought to the village in the 1930s. Markings: Unk Manufacturer: It's a "No. 15 Enriched Gothic Pump Case" made by S. Owens & Co., of London.
	This one's on the Southern end of the green - and it's good to see that it has been spruced up a bit. Photo supplied by Barry Watchorn - thanks, Barry. It carries a stern warning:
	STALBRIDGE PARISH COUNCIL ----- ANY PERSON WILFULLY WASTING THE WATER, DAMAGING THE PUMP, OR INJURING THE WALLS, WILL BE PROSECUTED. BY ORDER HERBERT CREECH CLERK
	Markings: None visible. Manufacturer: Unk.
	And the third one, tucked away by the side of the road, has a broken handle. The photo also supplied by Robert Ore - thanks, Rob. Markings: Lion. Manufacturer: Joseph Evans.

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