Description and History of Site:-
Opened April 1865 at eastern end of Southern Outfall Works of Bazalgette's main drainage system. Original Pumping Engine House survives. White gault brick with polychrome, chimney and Mansard roof removed c. 1940. Main entrance facing river with dog-tooth Norman arch now concealed by later sympathetic extension of 1899, that originally housed triple expansion steam engines, now contains remains of two diesels with Gwynne pumps. Boiler House behind. Spectacular interior with central octagonal framework and galleries on wrought-iron columns with foliated capitals and perforated cast-iron upper floors, all once brightly coloured. Still houses original four 125 HP rotative beam engines (James Watt & Son, 1865), tripled in 1899 by Benjamin Goodfellow to improve efficiency. Southern Outfall Reservoir of 6.5 acres, behind Engine House. Divided into 4 compartments, covered by brick supported on 644 brick piers. Culverts admitted tidal river water to scour it out.
Museum Trust formed 1985. One pumping engine now restored to steam. There are occasional open days.
Further Reading and References:-
Ashdown, John; Bussell, Michael; Carter, Paul. 'A Survey of Industrial Monuments of Greater London'. Thames Basin Archaeological Observers' Group, 1969
Cossons, Neil. 'The BP Book of Industrial Archaeology'. David & Charles, 1975
Falconer, Keith. 'Guide to England's Industrial Heritage'. Batsford, 1980
See http://www.crossness.org.uk/
There is an article (1969) by Alan Thomas, 'Crossness pumping engine house' in London Archaeologist 1(4), page 79.
Help us improve this entry
The compilers welcome corrections or additional information on all sites.
Any information provided will be verified before appearing on the web site.
Email comments
Key Words :- Sewage works, pumping station
Viewing the Site :- Pumping station visible from the Thames Path
Address :- Bazalgette Way, Abbey Wood, London, Greater London, SE2 9AQ
Grid Ref :- TQ 48622 81044
Co-ordinates :- Lat 51.508786 , Long 0.140203
Local Authority :- Bexley London Borough Council
Pre 1974 County :- Greater London Council
Site Status :- Listed - Grade I
Historic England List No - 1064241, 1064216, 1250557,
Site Condition :- Operational site, in use for original purpose
Site Dates :- 1865 -
Contributor :- GLIAS Database - 2 June 2018
Copyright :- cc-by-nc-sa 4.0 © GLIAS Database