Until 1963, when piped water was eventually brought to Ryton, there were known to be three public pumps in the village that supplied water to residents who did not have access to a private pump of their own. Two of these pumps are believed to have been installed in the 1890’s. Only one remains today, complete and undamaged, and can be found on the kerbside at the front of The Fox Inn in Little Ryton.
This pump and the site on which it sits has recently been restored and an information board has been erected which outlines a brief history of water in the village. A small booklet offering a more detailed history has also been produced which is illustrated with photographs of times gone by when collecting water for daily use was a regular chore!
This booklet is free and available on request.
The renovation project has been sponsored by Condover Parish Council.