WORLD RECORD CROFTON PUMPING STATION
Most people today are happy when a machine or kitchen gadget lasts 5 or 10 years.
However, how about one that is still doing the same job and not only that but also in the same place some 200 years later!
At the top of the beam engine pump.
This world record breaking machine can be found in the tiny Wiltshire village of Crofton in the UK.
Constructed using early 19th century engineering techniques the 50-foot-high beam engine has been used to pump water to fill part of the Kennett and Avon Canal to the west of the village it is sited in.
The Crofton Pumping Station the Kennett and Avon canal.
When the canal was built a water, source was required to keep it filled for barge traffic. Leading to Crofton in Wiltshire being identified as a stable water supply. Using the springs and a reservoir built across from the pumping station called Wilton Water.
Kennett and Avon canal with Crofton behind.
To the west was the highest point of the canal route and way to get the water up above 40 foot was solved by installing a giant Boulton and Watt beam engine pump in 1812 the second one to be installed there.
The Oldest Still Working In The World
The first one a smaller one started in 1809. That was replaced in 1846 by a Harvey and Co of Hayle engine and later upgraded in 1903 then became the number 2 engine.
Close up of the valves at the Crofton Pumping Station.
Both engines were used up until the 1950’s. When it then proved cheaper to install electric pumps to do the same job.
The cylinder head of the Boulton and Watt engine.
The huge engines could lift around one ton of water. This is at a rate of eleven times minute. To draw the water up above that vital 40 feet in order to allow it to run by gravity to replenish water used by canal lock operations in the west.
Over 200 years of working in the same place.
To last this length of time is a miracle. However, to actually still be able to run powered by steam in the 21st century is certainly an amazing fact. Plus, that it can still do the job it was commissioned to do over 200 hundred years ago. All in exactly the same place, has to double that astonishment!
A display of stationary engines in the boiler house at the Crofton Pumping Station beside the Kennett and Avon canal.
Firing Up For Steam
At regular periods the boilers are fired and the pumps are powered on what are called steaming days. The giant boilers are loaded with coal and lit. Then slowly brought to temperature so that on these days’ history and engineering enthusiasts can watch the pumps move the water once again.
The ‘Lancashire’ boiler that powers the beam engine at Crofton Pumping Station.
The building and chimney of Crofton Pumping Station are Grade I listed and were brought back to life in the late 1960’s. This period when canal enthusiasts worked to repair the whole facility. And, in 1970 the No1 engine the Boulton and Watt was steamed again and still continues today.
Not too many off the shelf tools here at Crofton.
The tours of the building point out key elements of the design and development of the beam engines. Pointing out the changes and improvements that were made over the years. This is since being installed there in the early years of the 1800’s now 210 years ago.
Modern toilets for the visitors at the Crofton Pumping Station.
The opening times at 10.30am to 4.30pm open from Tuesday to Sunday. Open too on Bank Holiday Mondays too. Tours of around 45 minutes are made throughout the days and cost £4.50 for adults with children and carers free. Modern toilets are on the site, with chargeable car parking opposite the main entrance.
Top tasting sausage rolls at the ‘Engineers Rest’ Cafe at the Crofton Pumping Station.
There is an excellent café the Engineers Rest. It serves all the normal refreshments snacks and drinks most of which are from local producers.
Tuck In At The Engineers Rest
I would add that the sausage rolls are the best I have ever had and are hand made in Marlborough.
Top marks to catering team there and their enthusiastic guides and volunteers.
Simon was ours!
Crofton Pumping Station a Grade 1 listed industrial property.
What I think makes it a rather wonderful story of survival. When the pumps were switched off in the 1950’s and replaced. Then the buildings fell into disrepair and various scrap contractors were contacted and asked to quote for the removal of the pumps, boiler etc. However, the profit for the iron and steel at that time would be so little that they passed up on the job as it being uneconomical.
Which by luck has allowed this world record breaking machinery to remain in situ. Plus, even at times still play a vital role as a back up for the much needed electric pumps. As it has been called upon by the canal authorities to be steamed when the electric pumps broke down some years ago!
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Never thought I’d be interested in a story about a machine but this was really engaging. What an amazing story of skill, will and random chance all coming together at the right time. Well done.