Virtual open day on Kennet & Avon Canal
Canal and history fans across the UK can enjoy a virtual tour and hear more from the expert team caring for this special site – from the comfort of their own home.
Claverton Pumping Station has been keeping the Kennet & Avon Canal topped up with water for over two centuries. The original water-powered pumps, installed in 1813 were replaced with electric version in 1952. We've been carrying out work to prepare for its future.
Explore this engineering masterpiece
The original pumping station is cared for by a dedicated team of enthusiastic volunteers, the Claverton Pumping Station Group, including Julian Stirling. In the videos Julian takes viewers up close to the enormous 5m diameter water wheel, shows how decades of floods have, literally, left their mark on the building and gives a rare glimpse into the meticulously hand-written records that tell the story of the pump’s use.
Charles Baker who is our senior project manager also shows how technology maintains the water levels along the Kennet & Avon Canal.
The project's videos
Introduction & history of Claverton Pumping Station
Past, present and future
What has 204 teeth?
Unsung heroes
Unique records of the canal
The electric pumping station
Planning ahead
More open days from April 2022
During the spring and summer months Claverton Pumping Station Group invites visitors to the site. This year the open days start in April with more details on the group’s website www.claverton.org.
Last date edited: 10 March 2022