Claverton Pumping Station to be restored for 200th anniversary

Claverton Pumping Station opened in 1813 and was designed by engineer John Rennie

Restoration work is being carried out at Claverton Pumping Station near Bath for its 200th anniversary.

Designed by industrial revolution innovator John Rennie, the Grade II listed building once ensured the Kennet and Avon Canal flowed.

The station's large water wheel kept the crucial waterway between London and Bristol topped up with water.

The wheel is now being refurbished so it can perform its original function of pumping water into the canal.

David Viner, of the Canal and River Trust, which looks after Claverton, said: "The Kennet and Avon Canal was the motorway of its day carrying a wide variety of goods between the West Country and London.

'Engineering masterpiece'

"One of the most important cargoes was coal supplied to Bath, Bristol and Wiltshire from the Somerset coalfields. Claverton was central to keeping the canal in water.

"We are delighted it remains relevant today, both as a heritage site of immense interest and when the refurbishment work is complete, as a fully-functioning 200-year old engineering masterpiece."

Research shows that the pump began work on 13 March 1813.

The principal method of supplying water for canals relied on drawing it from streams or rivers, but where a natural supply was unavailable an alternative method was needed.

To solve this problem on the Kennet and Avon, Rennie built two pumping stations to supply water from sources at lower levels - Claverton, and Crofton Pumping Station near Great Bedwyn in Wiltshire.

Claverton was honoured with a Red Wheel award from the Transport Trust in 2012.

The Red Wheel programme recognises Britain's greatest transport heritage sites.