|
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 large 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, was a St.
Edmund's crown, pierced by arrows (since removed). Amazing.
Markings: None other visible.
Manufacturer: Child Foundry, Southwold. In the early
1800s Edmund Child established a workshop near the Marketplace in Southwold, at
a location now known as Child's Yard. His son, George Edmund Child, took over
the business in 1841 and developed it as an iron and brass foundry. Other
examples of the company's work still exist in the town. In 1848 he also
established the Southwold Gas Light Company. |
| Sited in
front of the Swan Hotel. |
The happy
herring spout. |
St
Edmund's Crown with the letters "E" and "W" and a couple of herrings above and
below. Inscribed:
"Defend Thay Ryghts". |
Inscribed:
"Pro Bono Publico G.E.Child Fecit".
[G E Child made me for the public
good] |
Inscribed:
"Erected 1873 J.E.Grubbe Esq. Mayor". |
Following
a refurbishment, the crown and arrows which surmounted the pump have not been
replaced (Christmas 2013). |
