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
Region:
Red Wheel Site:
Transport Mode(s):
Address:
Crofton, Marlborough, Wiltshire, SN8 3DW
Postcode:
Visitor Centre:
Opening Times:
Open most days in Summer but check first on website or telephone: 01672 870300
Website:
Visit websiteHouses the oldest beam engine in the world able to fulfill its original role - pumping water to the summit of the Kennet & Avon Canal
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'.
Atterbury, Paul, English Rivers and Canals, Weidenfeld & Nicolson, ISBN. 0 297 78318 1 (1984)
Bartholomew, Nicholson Inland Waterways Map of Great Britain, ISBN 978-00072 11173 (2006)
Boughey, Joseph, Hadfield‘™s British Canals: The Inland Waterways of Britain and Ireland, David & Charles, ISBN 978 18401 50247 (1998)
Boughey, J. and Hadfield, C., British Canals: A Standard History, David & Charles, ISBN 978-07524 46677 (2008)
Burton, A., The Waterways of Britain, Collins, ISBN 0 00 218047 2 (1983)
Gladwin, D.D., A Pictorial History of Canals, Batsford, ISBN 0 7134 0554 6 (1977)
Pratt, D., Waterways Past and Present: A Unique Record of Britain‘™s Waterways Heritage, Adlarde Coles, ISBN 978-07136 76341 (2006)
Pratt, F., Canal Architecture in Britain, British Waterways, ISBN 978- 09032 18139 (1976)
Roberts, B., Britain's Waterways: A Unique Insight, GEOprojects, ISBN 978- 08635 11158 (2006)
Rolt, L. T. C., Inland Waterways of England, Allen & Unwin, ISBN-10: 0043860060 (1979)
Ware, M.E., Britain's Lost Commercial Waterways, Landmark, ISBN 978-18430 61816 (2005)