Crofton Beam Engines and Wilton Windmill
11:00 am, Saturday, 30 July, 2005

Visit the Crofton Pumping Station which supplies water to the Kennet and Avon Canal and then visit the only operating windmill in Wiltshire.

The Crofton Pumping Station was built to supply water to the summit level of the Kennet and Avon Canal. It contains a Boulton and Watt beam engine of 1812 that is the oldest such engine in the world still in its original building, and a similar engine of 1845 by Harvey of Hayle. Both will be in steam on the day.

Wilton Windmill is the only operating windmill in Wiltshire. It was built in 1820 at a cost of £500 and worked until 1920 after which it became derelict. Restoration begain in 1971 and was completed in 1976 at a cost of £25,000.

Please note that the layout of both the pumping station and windmill will involve climbing narrow and possibly awkward staircases.

Booking:

Essential. Contact Bookings Secretary.