Hydro-electric power returns to Cragside in Northumberland

The 55ft Archimedean screw was lowered into place by crane

Tumbleton lake had to be drained before the screw could be installed

The screw will be visible to the public once installation is complete

The galvanised turbine, weighing several tonnes, was made in Germany

The house was expanded in 1869 by architect Richard Norman Shaw

Cragside was built as a two-storey country lodge in 1863

Engineering skills are being used to recreate 19th Century technology at a historical Northumberland stately home.

Cragside house was built in 1863 by engineer and inventor Lord William Armstrong and was known at the time as the "palace of the modern magician".

Lakes on the estate were once used to generate hydro-electricity.

Now a project to install a modern version of the water-generated power scheme is nearing completion.

A 55ft (17m) long Archimedean screw is being installed in the grounds, which, once working, will generate enough power to light the National Trust property.

'Ingenious mind'

Lord Armstrong installed a hydro-electric generator at Cragside in 1878

It is being installed at the southern end of the estates lowest lake, Tumbleton.

As water passes through the spiral blades, it will cause the screw to turn, harnessing the energy of falling water, which is then converted into electricity using a generator.

The screw will be visible from the lakeside to allow people to get a better understanding of how the technology works.

Andrew Sawyer, conservation officer at Cragside, said: "It will be a very visual demonstration of the way hydro power works.

"Lord Armstrong was an exceptional man with an ingenious mind and the prospect of bringing his vision for Cragside into the 21st Century is a dream come true."

In December, water levels in Tumbleton lake were lowered so the installation work could take place.

The first electricity from the project is expected to be generated within the next few months.