1780s Double-acting Pumping Engine for River Head Water Works

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Date:June 1785

Description:General view of pumping engine for New River Head Water Works, London, [Portfolio 5/1090]

This drawing shows a typical Boulton & Watt pumping engine of the 1780s and 1790s. The engine was double-acting, with a 32 inch cylinder. It was erected alongside an old atmospheric engine designed by John Smeaton, which was removed not long after. In 1794 a second Boulton & Watt engine was installed, virtually identical to this one. These engines were replaced in 1812 by more powerful engines with 48 inch cylinders as the demand for water increased. Note the mistake on this drawing – “Wrong heights of second floor”!

This drawing is part of the Archives of Soho collection, which is held by Birmingham City Archives [Ref. MS3147/Portfolio/5/1090]

Related themes:

Watt, James Place Mechanical Engineering Drawings Boulton, Matthew 1766 - 1800 (Mid-Georgian period & the Industrial Revolution

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