Location

Bondgate without

Description

The present structure is a reconstruction of an earlier pant, which was built around 1870. The plaque states that the original was demolished by a vehicle in 1953, and rebuilt by Alnwick District Council in 1993.

The pant in this location was originally referred to as Fleece Pant. We know that it was called a "dribble" because the water supply was poor. We are not certain who Jimmy was,though in the 19th century the pant here was referred to as "Jemmy's Dribble". It has been suggested that "Jemmy" was James Catnach, the printer.

Davison and Tate both mention two Bondgate pants. these were erected by the duke in the 18th century. One was here, outside Bondgate tower. The other was near the present war memorial, at the top of Denwick Lane. The one in Denwick Lane was moved further down the lane when the Tenantry Column was erected.

The original pant here was removed in 1873, after a replacement had been erected alongside. There has been speculation that this newer structure, after being hit by the car, may then have been moved to Denwick Lane, but we do not believe this was the case. The designs are similar.

The original 18th century pant which stood by the Bondgate Tower is shown in old etchings of the tower. It appears to have been an octagonal structure.

Early photographs of the 1870 Fleece pant show that the pillar is in the same form as the reconstruction. There seems to have been a pump handle on the north side. The Denwick Lane pant seems to have held a similar handle. There was a trough in front, and there were two spouts, one at a lower level which appears to be running continuously, and a larger, higher one, presumably controlled by the handle.

From Alnwick Memories on Facebook

Owner

To be determined

Status

Constructed in 1993.

Condition

Structure appears sound, but could do with some cleaning.

Suggestions for improvement

Clean stonework.