Papplewick Pumping Station

The Papplewick Pumping Station was constructed by the Nottingham Corporation Water Department between 1881 and 1884 to pump water from the Bunter sandstone to supply the City of Nottingham, England, with drinking water. It is located in open agricultural land about 3 miles (4.8 km) by road from the village of Papplewick in Nottinghamshire. Gothic Revival structures had two beam engines that were powered by six Lancashire boilers. Up until the station was decommissioned in 1969 when it was replaced by four submersible electric pumps, the equipment remained in its original configuration with the exception of modifications to the boiler grates.

In order to preserve the location as a static museum, a Trust was established in 1974. However, plans quickly expanded to include engine restoration and routine steaming. In 1975, one of the beam engines was put into service using the sole boiler that had been given the necessary safety certification. Since then, the second engine has undergone refurbishment, and both are steam-tested frequently. Following a grant of £1.6 million from the Heritage Lottery Fund, brand-new visitor facilities were constructed in 1991, and comprehensive restoration of the buildings was finished in 2005. The facility also includes a number of other engines, which are also displayed during steaming days, in addition to the beam engines.

Location: Rigg Ln, Ravenshead, Nottingham NG15 9AJ, England