MILL MEECE WORKING PUMP STATION
Nestled amidst the tranquil landscape of Staffordshire, the Mill Meece Pumping Station serves as a poignant testament to the area's industrial legacy. Erected during the renowned Victorian era between 1883 and 1884, this grand edifice was dedicated to supplying clean water to Stoke-on-Trent's bustling pottery industry. Its monumental presence not only facilitated manufacturing processes but also catered to the emergent population's water needs.
It commenced operations in November, 1914, with the Ashton Frost engine, the pumping station boasted two boreholes and boilers. The Hathorn Davey engine, introduced in 1928, further enhanced its efficiency by tapping into new boreholes.
Both engines dutifully served until December 22, 1979, when modern electric pumps superseded them. Presently, the station continues to deliver an average of 2.2 million gallons daily to Severn Trent Water consumers, employing potent electric pumps within its original boreholes from 1914.
The Pumping Station is an architectural marvel, featuring a resplendent red brick façade adorned with intricate gothic-style windows and elaborate ironwork. Its towering 38.4-meter (126-foot) chimney once facilitated natural draft for the boilers, harnessing the upward flow of hot flue gases.
Within the Engine House, colossal steam engines, initially coal-powered, drove formidable pumps, drawing water from underground wells to supply the region, with a stable water source for industrial and domestic purposes.
Evolution and adaptation marked the journey of the Station, transitioning from steam to electric power while retaining its iconic Victorian structure. Today, under the stewardship of the Mill Meece Preservation Trust, extensive restoration endeavours ensure the continuation of it’s rich heritage.
The successful renovation of the middle boiler in 2021, and the revival of the Ashton Frost and Hathorn Davey engines rekindled the station's historic significance.
Beyond its mechanical marvels, the station has transformed into a mesmerizing museum, offering visitors a captivating journey through time. Exhibiting a curated collection of vintage pumping machinery, it chronicles the technological evolution from steam-driven engines to contemporary electric pumps.
Beyond its engineering marvels, the Mill Meece Pumping Station holds great cultural significance and it continues to serve as a reminder of the region’s industrial heritage and it’s pivotal role in shaping the social and economic landscape of Staffordshire.
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Many thanks to Ian Hughes for the use of his video clips of the working pumps at the mill. You can visit Ian's KZfaq Channel at: / @ianhughesroyalenfield
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