Cast iron wayside hand water pump, possibly post 1911 (may be earlier) and certainly pre-1936. A well is marked at this spot on the Second and Third Edition OS maps of 1899, and 1911 respectively, a pump on Fourth Edition map of 1936, and ‘issues’ on Fifth edition map 1970. Manufactured by Joseph Evans of Reading. Set in concrete base of modern construction on School Lane, outside property boundaries in the lane.
Manufactured by Joseph Evans, and marked with the lion rampant which was used for pumps after 1890 by this manufacturer. Also carries the number “RD NO. 46671” known to be used on some pumps by Joseph Evans to indicate the design was first registered in 1886-87. The pump is somewhat rusted and has been buried in concrete up to about halfway up the post – this has led to the pump handle becoming bent sideways. However, although it lacks a cap, the remaining structure is in good condition, and the attractive pump spout and handle lug are undamaged.
Iron water pumps were a familiar sight in Victorian villages, when piped water was not available and everyone used a well or a pump to obtain water on a daily basis. They are becoming a diminishing heritage asset now, many having been taken for scrap in wartime, or moved or discarded when roads were widened. This particular example may have been a local pump for residents or connected in some way with the school, and appears from maps to be situated in its original position. Joseph Evans & Sons was a well known and very successful pump manufacturer, selling pumps across the world. Founded in 1810, it was still running into the 1960’s although it had by then changed hands several times and its trade had changed to specialist electrical pumps and water pressure cleaners.
A good example of an Evans pump, still in situ, and recognized by the local community as of value.
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