Description and History of Site:-

Hull’s flat, low-lying geography led to an early organised water supply system, originally using open leats from Springhead. In the 19th century, a major pumping station was built there, now serving as the local water authority’s headquarters and a small museum. Its centrepiece is a finely preserved 1876 Cornish beam engine by Bells Lightfoot & Co, still in place.

This engine replaced an earlier c.1869 installation of twin 50" beam engines and pumps, designed by Thomas Dale and built at Kirkstall Forge for £8,432. The system drew water via a 71 ft deep, cast-iron-lined shaft and a further 210 ft borehole into chalk, then pumped it 4¾ miles through a 25" main to Stoneferry reservoirs, supplying 4–5.5 million gallons daily. An earlier 1862 contract had also provided engines, boilers, and pumps for Hull’s water supply at Springhead, which remained in use until 1898.From Butler, "Another good contract was for Hull Corporation in 1862 to whom we supplies 2 Engines, 5 Boilers and 2 pumps for £6,385. The plant was erected at Spring Head in the village of Anlaby and worked until 1898."

Further Reading and References:-

Falconer K, Guide to England's Industrial Heritage,1980rn'The Engineer' October 29th 1869. https://www.gracesguide.co.uk/The_Engineer_1869/10/29
Butler R, The History of Kirkstall Forge through Seven Centuries, 1945

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Key Words :- pumping station water supply

Viewing the Site :- Open daily (2017)

Address :- Springhead Lane, Anlaby Park, Hull, East Yorkshire, HU5 5YJ
Grid Ref :- TA0416529445
Co-ordinates :- Lat 53.750973 , Long -0.421776
Local Authority :- Hull City Council
Pre 1974 County :- Yorkshire - East Riding
Site Status :- Listed - Grade II
Historic England List No - 1219405,
Site Condition :- Site conserved but not normally open to the public
Site Dates :- 1864 -
Contributor :- John Suter - 15 May 2015

Copyright :- cc-by-nc-sa 4.0 © John Suter