Description:General section of pumping engine for Chacewater Mine, Cornwall.
This was the first Boulton & Watt engine erected in Cornwall, although it was actually the second one ordered. It started work in 1777. The engine only worked at Chacewater for a short time before being sold to Scorrier Mine. From there it was sold on to several other mines, and was still in use at Wheal Susan in 1798. It was single-acting, with a 30 inch cylinder and an 8 foot stroke. Messrs. Scott & Jeffreys, the owners of the Bog Mine in Shropshire, ordered a very similar engine around the same time, and this drawing was used in the construction of both engines. Note the stairs marked in red for Mr Scott’s engine.
This drawing is part of the Archives of Soho collection, which is held by Birmingham City Archives [Ref. MS3147/Portfolio/5/1295]