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Crofton Beam Engines – editors information:

Crofton Beam Engines is home to the oldest beam engine in the world still in its original location and still able to carry out the task for which it was built. Nestled in the beautiful Wiltshire countryside, close by the Kennet and Avon Canal, the site houses a Lancashire boiler which generates steam to drive two extremely powerful beam engines each lifting a tonne of water a stroke to feed the highest part of the canal with water. The Boulton and Watt engine was installed in 1812, the year Napoleon retreated from Moscow. The 1812 engine was augmented in 1846 by a Harvey of Hayle engine.

Both engines are run at special steaming events during the summer months. Crofton provides the life blood of the K&A canal and although water is now pumped by electric pumps most of the year, there are still plenty of opportunities to experience some of the finest examples of early industrial heritage in the world at work. The Grade I listed pumping station buildings are a fine example of Georgian architecture, designed by John Rennie.

The site is entirely run by volunteers who take great pride, not just in their engines, but also in sharing their knowledge of and passion for the Beam Engines with visitors.

For more information contact

Dee Nix

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A branch of The Kennet and Avon Canal Trust Registered Charity No. 209206

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