Cistern, Part of the Architectural Study Collection at Wrest Park Collections Store.

A very large, rectangular lead water cistern dated 1794, with two internal dividers to add vertical strength to the cistern and prevent it collapsing in on itself. It is rather severely decorated with two Strapwork panels enclosing circles. A central oval, with the raised letters `I E? inside, divides the 2 panels. Unusually, the sides are also decorated with similar Strapwork design with an oval in the centre. A vertical joining seam is clearly visible at the back.
A substantial lead cistern for storing domestic water supply. This is quite a late example as by the early 19th century water pipes were starting to be made from cast iron to withstand the increased pressure of water pumped by steam engine; the result of this was a constant supply of water and less need to have very large storage cisterns.
These large cisterns were often made by pouring molten lead onto a flat bed of fine sand into which had been pressed a pattern. This large sheet was then folded up to make the rectangle and soldered along a vertical seam at the back ? this may be clearly seen in the photograph ? and a base plate soldered on at the same time.