Summary
A free-standing water hydrant of 1887, one of a series of eight remaining in Whitwell and Nettlecombe.
Reasons for Designation
The water hydrant opposite Ivy Cottage in Nettlecombe on the Isle of Wight, is listed at Grade II for the following principal reasons:
Architectural interest:
* as a decorative, late-C19 cast-iron water hydrant of good quality;
* the hydrant is unaltered and intact.
Historic interest:
* although water hydrants were once a common feature of the street scene, original examples, especially of this quality and intactness, are increasingly rare;
* the water hydrant is a reminder of the philanthropy shown by some C19 landowners to their local community, in an age when a reliable and clean water supply was not universally available.
Group value:
* the water hydrant is part of a system of eight hydrants, located throughout Nettlecombe and Whitwell.
History
The water hydrant system in Whitwell and Nettlecombe was installed in 1887, and six examples remain in Whitwell and two in Nettlecombe. There were originally 16 hydrants which were provided at a cost of £600, and known locally as 'lions' or 'red boys'. Half the funding came from Mr W Spindler of nearby Old Park, the remainder being supplied by the local population.
Mr Spindler was a German industrial chemist who came to the Isle of Wight for the benefit of his health in 1873, and purchased an estate of 144 acres known as Old Park in the Undercliff. The water for the hydrant system was supplied free by Mr Granville Ward, from a spring on his land to the west. Prior to the new supply, the local population were known to have suffered ill-health through drinking contaminated water from the local wells and springs.
The design of the hydrant provided water from the lion's mouth, a platform for the water bucket, a knob to the side for activating the water supply and also a metal cup on a chain for more immediate refreshment. The cup and chain have now been removed.
Details
A free-standing water hydrant of 1887, one of a series of eight remaining in Whitwell and Nettlecombe.
MATERIALS: cast-iron.
DESCRIPTION: the hydrant is painted red and located in the hedge opposite Ivy Cottage. It faces north onto the lane. It is around 1m high and comprises a fluted column, standing on a moulded and pierced base, which also acted as a support for a water bucket. The column is surmounted by a domed and fluted cap, which is decorated with an acorn finial. Below, there is a lion's-head mask, with water dispenser and an operating knob to the side.
