Victorian Pumping Stations

Pumping stations contributed to the provision of clean drinking water and sewage improvements, which led to major advances in public health, following the typhoid and cholera epidemics of the early Victorian era, which were caused by contamination of water supplies. Many of the pumping stations built around Britain at this time were designed by civil engineer Thomas Hawksley (1807-1893). His first was in Nottingham, being the first permanent supply of water under pressure to a large urban area. Hawksley contributed to the Royal Commission inquiry into the State of Large Towns and Populous Districts (1844-1845) which led to better sanitation and living conditions. As well as their important function, the Gothic-style pumping stations are architecturally notable, and many are now listed buildings on the National Heritage List for England. There are many surviving examples of Hawksley's pumping stations, some still in operation. Examples in the North East of England are Ryhope Pumping Station (II* listed and now a museum), Cleadon Water Tower (the remaining part of a pumping station), Dalton Pumping Station, and Fulwell Pumping Station.