Question
Where in Haddington is this soulful lion and what was its purpose?
Where were the rest of the pride?
Answer
The lion is a public water tap and is situated in Tyne Close.
In 1875 Haddington obtained a regular supply of water from Chesters thanks to Lord Wemyss who also contributed £300 towards the expense of bringing it to the town. A committee was formed in 1876 to plan for a public fountain and drinking troughs. It is possible our surviving lion dates from this period.
The 1893 OS map shows at least 7 public water taps – 5 in the Nungate, 1 in Tyne Close and 1 at the foot of Station Road near the Ferguson Monument. In contrast the 1853 OS map shows at least 30 pumps drawing from private wells in the main part of the town.
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