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Village water pumps considered for West Berkshire heritage list

Google pump at East IlsleyGoogle
It is thought one of the pumps, near the pond in East Ilsley, was fitted during a drought in 1934

Two old village water pumps could soon be added to a list in recognition of their historical significance.

The pumps have been nominated alongside several properties, a post box and a stile, for West Berkshire Council's Local List of Heritage Assets.

Those considered to have special local architectural or archaeological merit are added to the list.

To be adopted in the summer, the updated list is voted on by the public - but ultimately chosen by the council.

The authority said the flywheel water pump and well house, by the pond in East Ilsley near Newbury, dated to at least 1934.

It is thought the pump, which has an 80ft (24m) borehole, was fitted during a drought.

At this time, outlying villages in West Berkshire probably still depended on wells or pumps for a water supply, according to the council.

The second pump, in Burghfield Common, is an iron water pump from the Victorian era, thought to have been connected in some way with the local school.

Altogether, eight sites are up for inclusion:

  • 6 Northbrook Street, Newbury
  • Crabtree Community Centre, Hermitage
  • the Village Pump, Compton Road, East Ilsley
  • White Lodge, Donnington Grove
  • a post box in Welford
  • a water pump at School Lane, Burghfield Common
  • the Well House, The Wells Recreation Ground
  • Marlston Stile, Brockhurst School, Marlston, Hermitage
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