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| A rustic view of the bridge prior to the installation of the pump. | |
The 1652 bridge next to the Whistley pump is to shortly undergo a facelift courtesy of village residents living close by.
A year ago Whistley rd residents, led by Tony Graham, asked the English heritage to get the bridge and pump listed which is now in place. Tony and his team thought the bridge of major significance as something that need protection and E.H. agreed.
The bridge was built, presumably around the date that is inscribed on the top key stone of the north face of the bridge. (fig 2).
It is built in Potterne stone which is found around the village in walls and gardens.
Recently the bridge and the pump was damaged from farm vehicles and the spout was broken by young revellers who though it would be good to jump onto the spout. The pump has been in place for around 100 years and supplies a steady stream if good spring water. Locals have been drinking this water for many years with no ill effects*
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| fig 2. You can just see the date inscribed in the stone withing the black lines |
Several months ago Robert Hunt Grubbe of Eastwell Manor arranged to have the damaged spout and base late repaired which now sports the full inscription of "Maudrells, Calne", the company that presumably cast and fitted the original pump.
Many people use this valuable resource and it is a pleasure to see it being used by locals and people on the road. the water is great for making wine too!
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| Drawing by R Berry of the Whistley Pump prior to renovation |
During the summer of 2013 a small team, consisting of Bob Berry and Tony Graham, is undertaking some stonework repairs to the bridge. Full permission has been granted by Wiltshire Council to undertake these repairs.Some recent repairs carried out by the council have been deemed as inappropriate and these will be replaced and repaired with locally sourced stone and the correct lime mortars required for the job.
Hopefully this will result in an improved and structurally adequate local historic artifact for all to enjoy.
Do you have any memories of the pump? did you play there as a child, What have you used the water for?
Please send us your memories etc and we'll publish them.
The Your Potterne Team
* this has not been significantly tested and the drinker must be aware that it is not filtered water to drinking standards supplied in taps
