Industrial History Online

Limehouse Accumulator Tower

Description and History of Site:-
Octagonal hydraulic power accumulator tower with abutting truncated chimney, once part of the Regent's Canal Docks power system, built 1869. The 24 ft tower is 10 ft in diameter. Most of the hydraulic apparatus remains in situ. It is sited N of the dock next to the railway viaduct. Probably one of the earliest relics of hydraulic power in London. A recently installed staircase gives access to a viewing gallery at the top. This is occasionally open to the public. The steam engines for the hydraulic system were sited beneath the DLR railway viaduct. Previously owned by BWB, now owned by the developers of the adjacent site.
The original English Heritage listing (1065116) describes it as a "FORMER RAILWAY LOOKOUT TOWER"!


Further Reading and References:-
Falconer, Keith. 'Guide to England's Industrial Heritage'. Batsford, 1980
Smith, Tim R, 'The Limehouse Basin Accumulator Tower', London's Industrial Archaeology No 11 (2013), p37-54
http://www.glias.org.uk/journals/11-d.html
Docklands History Survey, Greater London Council Historic Buildings Division 1984, ISBN 978-0716813293.


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Key Words :- Hydraulic accumulator tower, docks

Address :- Mill Place, London, Greater London, E14
Grid Ref :- TQ 36458 81059
Co-ordinates :- Lat 51.511986 , Long -0.034955
Local Authority :- Tower Hamlets London Borough Council
Pre 1974 County :- London
Site Status :- Listed - Grade II
Historic England List No - 1242312,
Site Condition :- Site conserved but not normally open to the public
Site Dates :- 1869 -
Contributor :- GLIAS Database - 2 June 2018

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