Historic Building Details

HB Ref No:
HB16/01/055

Address :
Mixing Wells Dunnywater Annalong Newry Co Down

Townland:
Mullartown

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Survey 2:
B2

Date of Listing:
11/04/2008 00:00:00

Date of De-listing:

Current Use:
Water Works Structures

Former Use
Water Works Structures

Conservation Area:
No

Industrial Archaeology:
Yes

Vernacular:
No

Thatched:
No

Monument:

Derelict:
No

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OS Map No:
269/14

IG Ref:
J3564 2260

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Owner Category

Central Govt

Exterior Description And Setting

This structure, set in the middle of a grassed area surround by high granite walls, comprises two wells between which are small inlet and outlet chambers. The well heads are raised above ground level on dressed granite plinths capped with concrete, and with a three-bar metal handrail around their top. There are removable planks set into the tops to enable access down spiral metal stairways to their interiors. The flow into and out of the wells is regulated by valve headstocks by Glenfield & Kennedy (Kilmarnock) set into the inlet and outlet chambers; the water could be directed into one or both of the wells as required. There is a pedestrian gate into the site from the direction of the water superintendent’s house, and a vehicle gate on the opposite wall. The latter has square piers coped with rusticated granite blocks.

Architects

Not Known

Historical Information

These wells were constructed by Messrs Fisher and Le Fanu for the Belfast Water Commissioners as part of the first phase of the Mourne Scheme to bring water from the Annalong and Kilkeel Rivers to Belfast. They came on stream in 1901. Drawings in the Water Service Offices, Westland House, show the two wells to be c.6.4m (21ft) deep (refs 3A15 and 4D/ book 1). They originally contained octagonal wire meshes to strain the water which flowed from inside to outside; the spiral stairways enabling access to their inside surfaces for cleaning purposes. These straining devices are no longer used as the water is screened at the intakes to the conduit. The wells now mix the water from the Kilkeel and Annalong rivers. Originally the wells were decked with pitch pine, but this has been replaced with reinforced-concrete. Primary sources: 1. DOE Westland House, Old Westland Rd, Belfast – drawings 2G1, 3A15 and 4D/ book1. 2. PRONI – WAT1/ 3CG/3; Letter dated Dec 1900, in ‘Progress of Mourne Scheme’.

Criteria for Listing

Architectural Interest

K. Group value

Historic Interest

Y. Social, Cultural or Economic Importance Z. Rarity V. Authorship X. Local Interest

Evaluation

Although no longer in use as originally designed, the wells are of some interest in terms of their rarity value and in association with the first phase of the Mourne Scheme. They also have group value in their association with the Annalong Weir (HB16/01/052) and conduit from the Silent Valley.

General Comments

Date of Survey

07 June 1997