Pump next to St Joseph's RC Church, Downpatrick Street, Crossgar, Co Down

This is a cast iron water pump, likely dating to between 1880 and 1899. It is situated on the pavement on the east side of Downpatrick Street, close to St Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church in Crossgar. The pump is a good example of a Rotary type and possesses group value due to its proximity to the listed church.

The pump is set on a splayed, fluted base and topped with a fluted domed cap and a pointed finial. It was originally operated by wheels positioned to the north and south sides, and a short spout protrudes to the west. Behind the pump is an arched recess filled with fieldstone rubble, the arch itself formed in granite. The wall above the arch rises to a point. This arch appears to have once served as an entrance to the grounds of St Joseph’s church, although it is now filled.

Based on its design, the pump was likely installed in the latter decades of the 19th century. The recessed arch suggests a possible connection to the opening of the present church in 1876, implying the pump may be later than that date. Originally, the pump had a handle on each wheel, but these were removed before 1974. The pump is of industrial archaeological interest and demonstrates local social and cultural importance. It is owned by the local government.