Market Cross And Attached Pump

The Market Cross and attached pump, located in Pontefract Market Place, was built in 1734 for Elizabeth Dupier, with the pump added in the mid-18th century. The structure is made of ashlar stone and features a stone slate roof. It is rectangular in shape, consisting of a tall single storey with three bays by one bay. The building stands on a shallow podium with a raised floor and has a plinth. The rusticated stonework is prominent below the impost level of the main openings.

The end elevations showcase a tall central semi-circular-headed arch with a moulded archivolt, raised keystone, and wide impost band, flanked by low semi-circular-headed arches with radiating rusticated voussoirs and large impost blocks. Above the impost band, there are semi-circular-headed niches on either side of the central arch, featuring moulded sills, pilastered jambs, and keyed archi-volts. On the south-east side, there is a plaque in a moulded surround that reads, "Erected by Mrs Elizabeth Dupeer, Relict of Solomon Dupeer, Gent, in a cheerful and generous compliance with his benevolent intention. Ano Domi 1734."

The building has a wide moulded cornice and a hipped roof. The main side elevations include three tall semi-circular-headed arches, similar to the central arch on the end elevations, along with a similar cornice above. The interior arches are treated in the same manner, with plastered walls and ceiling, and a flagged floor. A long original plank bench with paired turned wooden legs is situated in the center.

The pump, attached to the south-west side of the building, features lead casing with raised foliage decoration, which is mostly obscured by a later wooden casing. Originally, the building had a flat roof and a stone balustrade, which were replaced by the current pitched roof in 1763.