Crofton Pumping Station
Houses the oldest beam engine in the world able to fulfill its original role - pumping water to the summit of the Kennet & Avon Canal
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Crofton, Marlborough, Wiltshire, SN8 3DW
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The pumping station was built between 1807 and 1809 in time for the opening of the canal in 1810. The station was built to house two pumping engines, but only one, a 36 inch (914 mm) bore engine bought second-hand from the West India Dock Company, was initially installed.
In 1810 a second engine was ordered from Boulton and Watt. This engine, which started work in 1812, is the current number 1 engine, and has been the main engine throughout the steam-driven life of the station. In 1846 the original 1809 engine was replaced by a new engine supplied by Harvey and Co. and built as a double-acting Sims patent combined cylinder engine. However this engine proved troublesome and eventually fell into disuse.
In 1903 the 1846 engine was rebuilt as a simple single-acting engine and thus became the current number 2 engine. Both engines then continued in regular use until the 1950s, when the state of the chimney forced the removal of the top 36 feet (11 m). The reduced height chimney was unable to provide sufficient draught for the boiler, and it proved cheaper to retire the steam engines and install electric pumps.
In 1968 the pumping station was bought by the Kennet and Avon Canal Trust with restoration in mind. The building and both engines were restored, and the existing irreparable boiler replaced with another of the same type acquired second hand. Number 1 engine was first successfully steamed on April 4, 1970 and the pumping station was officially reopened on the August 21 of the same year by John Betjeman. Number 2 engine was first successfully steamed on November 15, 1971.
By rail: to Great Bedwyn Station and then a walk for about 1 mile.
By road: off the A338 east of Marlborough and west of Hungerford. Brown signs direct to 'Beam Engines'.
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