Beech Class go Back to the Age of Steam

1 day ago

2 min read

Last Friday (16th October) Beech class took a trip back in time to the early 19th-century when steam engineering was in its heyday.

Situated near the village of Great Bedwyn in Wiltshire, Crofton Beam Engines were built to pump water into the highest point of the Kennet and Avon Canal, an essential feat that made the canal navigable and supported Britain’s burgeoning industrial revolution.

Constructed in 1807-09, the Crofton Pumping Station houses the oldest working steam engines still performing their original function in the world . The beam engines were pivotal in maintaining water levels on the canal, which was a major transport route for goods and raw materials during the Industrial Age.

On 14th April 1968, Crofton Pumping Station was purchased by the Kennet and Avon Canal Trust from British Waterways for £75 with the objective of restoring it to full working order. Both engines were brought back to life in the early 1970s and have been regularly steamed and open to the public through the summer months ever since.

Beech class were lucky enough to have the whole site to themselves and were guided through their visit by the amazing Whitney and Nick.

There were lots of interactive learning activities for Beech class to participate in both inside and out including a working model of how a canal lock works and exciting demonstrations explaining the forces behind how the engines and pumps work.

Our pupils particularly enjoyed using the different types of water pumps, even though they got a bit wet!

Before heading back to school, Beech class took a tour of the Pumping Station and got to see the two steam pumping engines up close. They were huge!

It was a great trip and the class enjoyed learning so much about our local industrial history.