Wanlockhead Beam Engine, Water-powered beam engine in Wanlockhead, Scotland
The Wanlockhead Beam Engine features an 8.5-meter horizontal pitch-pine beam that pivots on cast-iron blocks with brass bearings atop a freestone column.
Constructed around 1870, this industrial machine pumped water from the Straitsteps lead mine until 1910, marking the final phase of local mining operations.
The miners nicknamed the engine 'Bobbin John' due to its nodding motion, reflecting the close connection between industrial machinery and local workers.
The engine operates through water collection in an elevated tank, using gravity to power the mechanism that could pump 7000 liters of water per hour.
This structure represents the last complete water-powered beam pumping engine remaining at its original location in the United Kingdom.
Location: Dumfries and Galloway
Location: Sanquhar
GPS coordinates: 55.39908,-3.78550
Latest update: March 24, 2025 11:43
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