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

[Thanks to Shawn Shaw for all the photos.]

fordingbridge, 2017 At the museum in Fordingbridge, Hants, this rather grand lead tank sitting atop a short length of lead pipe which ends in a rat's tail is described by them as a "lead gutter downpipe". And so it might be, but we've not yet satisfactorily explained why a rain hopper should have a spout. Furthermore, the spout is threaded. A conundrum.

Markings: The tank carries two royal supporters - a lion and a unicorn - either side of the motto "HONI SOIT QUI MAL Y PENSE", which surrounds the spout. "BRISTOW" "Plum 1820 mer" appears below the spout. (1820 is the year of the coronation of George IV).The faceplate extends upwards, and carries a fleur-de-lys motif.

Manufacturer: A plumber by the name of Bristow.		 fordingbridge, 2017

fordingbridge, 2017 Also at Fordingbridge museum.

Markings: "WARNERS" "LONDON" on the spout.

Manufacturer: J. Warners of London.

fordingbridge, 2017 A lead faceplate at Fordingbridge museum.

Markings: "M.C.S.E D", two scallop motifs, and the date "1876".

Manufacturer: Unk, but the letters "M.C.S.E D" refer to Maria Caroline Sawbridge-Erle-Drax (1828-1885), daughter of John Samuel Wanley Sawbridge Erle-Drax, MP for Wareham from 1841, whose family home was the Charborough Park estate in Dorset.

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