One of the oldest dated fire hydrant covers in the UK has been rescued from the scrap heap – and given pride of place at a major Hampshire museum.
The 130-year-old cast iron creation used to call Southampton’s Bugle Street home until new hydrant equipment was installed earlier this year.
But during those works, the original was thought lost – with the alarm raised by Andy Skinner, Learning & Engagement Officer at the SeaCity Museum in Southampton.
Southern Water teams tracked the Victorian artefact down to a maintenance yard at its Otterbourne Water Treatment Works and Steve Maffey, who works for Sothern Water’s partner Clancy, stored it safely under his desk at the site – until it could be gifted to the museum.
The historic cover has the year 1896 embossed on its front, is made of cast iron, weighs 8lbs and measures 12 x 8 inches.
Andy Skinner said:
“It’s wonderful news. We’re so pleased that the hydrant cover was found because Southampton is uncommon in having dated covers and the 1896 hydrant cover is one of the oldest and certainly one of the most historically significant.”
Dr Maria Newbery Curator of Maritime & Local Collections at SeaCity Museum said:
“The hydrant cover will be on display in our Southampton Stories gallery.”
Mike Parker, Regional Operations Manager at Southern Water, added:
“We’re glad to have saved the hydrant from the skip and passing it on to the museum is brilliant to be part of. It can now safely be on display as part of Southampton’s rich Old Town history.”
