This cache is the first in the collection of caches dedicated to the village pumps in Hertfordshire.
This village pump can be found in the village of Watton at Stone. The village pump, and associated housing, is Grade II listed and dates from 1894. It was given by Abel Smith of Woodhall Park as a memorial to his son Lieutenant General Philip Smith. The pump is made of iron with a bulbous vase with an acanthus decoration, the necking has astragals with rings and the spout has a moulded curve to it. Sadly the handle is missing from the pump itself and I am unsure as to whether the pump still works. The housing with a pergoda style roof has a small turret with 2 timber arches at each side, the roof is shingled and leaded.
The village of Watton at Stone can be found in the Beane Valley and was first mentioned in 10th century wills as Wattun before being later recorded in the Domesday Book. A number of the properties in the village are owned by a local large estate and can be recognised by their signature blue doors. There are some lovely walks out of the village along the river, up towards Bramfield or towards Dane End/Benington.
You are looking for an inscription on the village pump's housing with the dates that a person had command of the home district.
ABCD EFGH
N51 51. ( F-H)-E) (B-H)-H) (C-B) W000 06. (G-H) (B-A)-H) (D-G)