Papplewick Pumping Station opened in 1884 and enjoyed a major part in supplying water to the town of Nottingham, the town was granted city status in 1897 by Queen Victoria. Thomas Hawksley (1807-1893) and Marriott Ogle Tarbotton (1835-1887) were the engineers behind the Pumping Station. In 1879-80 Hawksley built Papplewick Reservoir and soon after in the early 1880's Tarbotton designed and supervised the building of Papplewick Pumping Station.
Today Papplewick Pumping Station is a uniquely preserved Victorian water pumping station of historical interest and beauty.
21/01/07 (pictures taken 27/08/06)

To see a map of the area click here

The Superintendent's House, also entrance to the grounds.

Adding to the beauty of the surroundings is the Cooling Pond, the pond also had a purpose, cold water is taken from the pond to the Engine House where it was used to condense the steam, the warm water is then returned to the pond.

Miniature steam engine

Entrance to the Engine House

The Engine is a Beam type built by Watt & Co in 1884, there are two flywheels on either side of the Engine House which make sure the beam rocks at a steady pace. The triangular shape with two globes (Watt's Patent Governors) control the speed.

Engine Cylinder

There are four beautifully made cast-iron columns

The columns are covered with intricate cast iron reeds, bulrushes and other water plants, at the top of the columns are gilded Ibises.

Close up of the columns cast iron and brass fish

On the next level is what is known as the 'Packing Flat', this is where the piston rods enter the cylinders.

Going up to the Beam floor passing one of the many stained glass windows

Stained glass window

 The Beam floor, the huge beams connect the pistons at one end of the beam to the pumping rods at the other end. The engines and beams were so big and heavy the Engine House had to be built up around them.

The fountain in the Cooling Pond has it's function too, it has a separate water supply and is used to top up the water level of the pond. 

A dragonfly comes to rest at the edge of the pond

  Rear/side view of the magnificent Victorian architecture of the Pumping Station, at the rear is the boiler house.

Inside the boiler house, there are six huge boilers which provided the power for the engines, when they were in full use 2000 tons of coal were needed in one year. At least three boilers were used at all times, the stokers worked morning, evening and night shifts.

Behind the boiler house are various workshops and to the left is the coal supply

Miniature railway

Papplewick Pumping Station still supplies water to Nottingham but these days it is via modern electric pumps. In the Engine House the beam engines can still be seen working, the lavish decorations inside only previously seen by staff and members of the water board can now be seen by everyone.

All Images © John Beres & Carol Carlin 2003-2008