A peek behind the scenes of the world’s oldest working beam engines is being offered to visitors in a new out-of-season initiative.
For the first time, Crofton Pumping Station will be throwing open its doors during the winter months, allowing people a chance to see the steam-driven beam engines as they are dismantled and maintained by volunteers.
The station started work in 1809 pumping water up to the canal’s highest level – the section between Crofton and Burbage, which was above any reliable local water source.
Today the pumping station is still doing the job it was designed to do, and on high days and holidays between March and October every year the original beam engines – the oldest of which weighs six tonnes – are powered ‘in steam’ to afford visitors the dramatic sight and sound of days gone by.
Things will be a little quieter – and colder – for the winter openings on Saturdays November 1, December 13, February 7 and March 7, although hot drinks will be served at a small price to keep visitors warm. The visitor experience itself will be free of charge.
“It’s cold inside the pumping station during the winter as the boiler is not in steam and drained down,” said Kennet and Avon Canal Trust branch chairman Peter Turvey. “But our open days give visitors a rare chance to see the maintenance works in progress.”
