Tired of London, Tired of Life - One thing a day to do in London

A website about things to do in London

14 February 2010

Visit the Markfield Beam Engine

As mentioned last Sunday, it is time to have a look at the Markfield Beam Engine and Museum, which is open today as part of regular openings on the second Sunday of each month. The engine, in Markfield Park, Harringey was once used to move sewage from Tottenham into the London system for treatment at the Beckton sewage works.


The 100 horsepower beam pumping engine, built in 1886 by Wood Brothers, is housed in an original Grade II listed Engine House in the former sewage treatment works for Tottenham which have now become part of Markfield Park.

The Engine operated from 1886 until 1905 continuously, and carried on service on standby operation until 1964 when sewers were diverted to the extended East Middlesex Works at Deephams. The engine has recently been restored and can be seen operating under steam on designated days.

Meanwhile, the museum is open on the second Sunday of each month from 11am until 4pm. For more information, see http://www.mbeam.org/
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2 comments:

  1. I would not have thought of sewage pumping plants as the focus for historical analysis, especially not for its architecture. Then I had a good look at Crossness and Abbey Mills Pumping Stations:
    http://melbourneblogger.blogspot.com/2009/05/crossness-london-amazing-victorian.html

    Thanks for the Markfield Beam Engine and Museum. More reading for me!

    Hels
    Art and Architecture, mainly
    ReplyDelete
  2. Yes. I must admit I hadn't heard of it until I rode past on my bike a few weeks ago.

    Who knew sewage could be so interesting?
    ReplyDelete

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