Description:Preliminary drawings of the engine house for pumping engine, near Rotterdam, Holland.
Drainage of the polders and low-lying lands was a major issue for authorities in Holland. The steam engine seemed to offer an admirable solution, and in 1785 a Boulton & Watt engine, the first in Holland, was ordered by Stephen Hoogendyk, but on account of his great age he passed the arrangements for the engine to the Directors of the Batavian Society of Experimental Philosophy and J.D.H. Van Liender. The engine was erected near Rotterdam, to drain the polder of Blydorp and Kool. It was frequently referred to as being for the “Batavian Government”, hence its code, “BG”. The engine was a success, and Watt was elected an Honorary Member of the Society in recognition. However, the frequent wars in the region and the expense of importing engines meant that few orders came from Holland. The barrel of the massive pump is clearly visible to the left of the engine house.
This drawing is part of the Archives of Soho collection, which is held by Birmingham City Archives [Ref. MS3147/Portfolio/5/559]