Papplewick Victorian Pumping Station

[Phill D]

Finally managed to get out this Christmas and made a visit to this lovely Victorian pumping station. I was really lucky as it was one of their few steam days of the year and manned on this cold frosty day by a wonderful set of really enthusiastic volunteers.
Here are a few tasters of what is on offer sorry for so many shots as I did get a bit carried away. Anyone in the area I'd definitely recommend a visit.

First thing you see is the enormous chimney. Don't fancy Santa's chances here!


Then a tantalising glimpse through the door of what lies beyond.


First view of the interior.


And more...


What a way to boil the kettle.




Wonder what's up there


Looking down


A pretty impressive pedigree


Some of the windows were also magnificent


And the boilers that provide the steam from the top


here's the front, stoked by ladies....some of the time at least.


Outside there was a very knowledgeable blacksmith tending his forge


The setting sun made it look like he'd let his fire get a bit out of hand


Luckily all was well and a wonderful afternoon was had by me


Claymills pumping station is also near me and that is in steam this coming weekend. Wonder if I'll get a passout for that one too? Better not let on what that one is pumping though...

[Otto]

Re: Papplewick Victorian Pumping Station

Wonderful place isn't it? I finally managed a visit this summer - when there were rather more people in the way. The underground reservoir was also open that day and it's an astonishing place. A great selection of shots, thanks for posting . Good luck with Claymills - that one's on my list!

[Greytop]

Re: Papplewick Victorian Pumping Station

Wow what a stunning place to visit to Phill, the kettles give a good sense of scale to the huge cylinders/pistons.
Very impressive, thanks for sharing these.

[andym]

Re: Papplewick Victorian Pumping Station

I really enjoy places like this.

Thanks for showing

[Guest]

Re: Papplewick Victorian Pumping Station

I drove past this place every day for around 6 years on my way to and from work .....never went in though.....looks like I missed out!

[brian1208]

Re: Papplewick Victorian Pumping Station

a great set of Victoriana images, they knew how to build things properly in those days, wrought and cast Iron + loads of Brass, proper job!

[gregles]

Re: Papplewick Victorian Pumping Station

Looks fantastic Phil and great shots too

[Otto]

Re: Papplewick Victorian Pumping Station

Here's a pic of the reservoir I mentioned earlier; E-M5 with 12-50, 1/13 @ f/5.6, ISO 6400, hand-held, processed with DxO Optics Pro 9. Sorry about the interloper - they don't give you long down there and it was quite busy!

[KeithL]

Re: Papplewick Victorian Pumping Station

The Victorians had pride in what they made, eh, not like "Made in PRC"!! Some atmospheric shots there.

[OM USer]

Re: Papplewick Victorian Pumping Station

Fantastic. Very similar to the Crossness station (south east London).

[Phill D]

Re: Papplewick Victorian Pumping Station

Thanks everyone for all your comments, it is certainly a fascinating place. That underground reservoir shot is excellent Richard. No one mentioned it when I was there so I'm assuming it wasn't open, shame I'd have loved a walk round. Good excuse to go back though

[Peter_Hartland]

Re: Papplewick Victorian Pumping Station

Great set of images, I've added that to my must do list

[Phill D]

Re: Papplewick Victorian Pumping Station

No probs Peter, it's a long way from Andover though.

[Otto]

Re: Papplewick Victorian Pumping Station

The reservoir is not always open when the main site is I don't think. It involves a bus ride, a short walk and then down some steep steps into the reservoir itself. What amazed me, apart from the sheer size of the thing, is the quality of the brickwork which as you can see is more worthy of a cathedral than a simple water storage facility that only a handful of people would ever have seen when it was in use. It was closed in 1906 following the discovery of cracks in the brickwork. Anyway, you have a perfect excuse for another visit!

Much more info here: http://www.papplewickpumpingstation.co.uk/index.htm

[Phill D]

Re: Papplewick Victorian Pumping Station

Certainly do Richard