Claverton Pumping Station is a truly unique Grade I listed working waterwheel. The enormous 17 foot (5 m) diameter, 24 foot (7 m) wide wheel was constructed in 1813 at the height of the industrial revolution. The wheel powers a large beam engine that pumps 50 gallons of water every 2 seconds from the River Avon up 48 foot into the Kennet and Avon canal. The pump operated from 1813 until 1952, remaining largely unaltered throughout its working life. The pumping station was restored by volunteers between 1969 and 1976, and is maintained and run by the volunteers of the The Claverton Pumping Station Trust CIO. More information on the pump can be found on our detailed Wikipedia page.

The wheelhouse

Here at the pumping station you can see the pumping machinery, as well as displays explaining its history and how it works. Usually we have enough volunteers to be able to offer you a guided tour at no extra cost. You can relax and eat your picnic on our lawn if you want to combine a visit with a good place to spend the day.

Awards and Plaques

Information Videos

Introduction to the pumping station

(This video is from the front page)

Technical information

About our records