Littleport and Downham Hundred-Foot Pumping Station
Museum | Ely | England | United Kingdom
The Hundred Foot Pumping Station in Pymoor, near Ely, is a historic pumping station originally built in 1830 to drain the land of the Fens and protect it from flooding. It played a crucial role in regulating water levels and irrigating agricultural land in the region.
History and significance:
The Fens are an extensive marsh and swamp area in East England that has been drained over centuries through human intervention to reclaim agricultural land. The Hundred Foot Pumping Station was constructed as part of this large-scale drainage project and was one of the first steam pumping stations in the region. It replaced less efficient wind pumps and significantly contributed to the agricultural development of the Fens.
Technical features:
Originally equipped with a steam engine, the station underwent several modernizations over the years. In the 1950s, it was operated with a diesel engine, and later electric pumps were added. The station had several large pumps that efficiently directed water from drainage ditches into the New Bedford River.
Museum and exhibitions:
Today, the Hundred Foot Pumping Station is a museum that documents the history of drainage in the Fens. Visitors can view historical machines and equipment that illustrate the development of drainage technology. The museum provides insight into the challenges and innovations associated with land use in the Fens.
Special features:
The station is an outstanding example of 19th-century industrial architecture and reflects the engineering of that time. The preserved machines and buildings are a valuable heritage, showcasing the importance of drainage technology in the region's development.
The Hundred Foot Pumping Station is therefore a significant technical monument that documents the history of drainage and land use in the Fens, offering visitors a unique insight into 19th-century engineering.
