Cumberland Road
Bristol
BS1 6XG
Join us over Easter Weekend to see the 1907 hydraulic pumps in action.
The three electric hydraulic pumps were installed in 1907. The pumps pressurise water to 750psi (52 bar) and powered an entire network through underground pipes running around the harbour to lock gates, swing bridges, cranes, capstans and more. Over the years many parts of the network ceased to operate – cranes were dismantled, bridges stopped swinging – and by 2010 the Power House was only operating Cumberland Basin lock gates and providing back-up for Prince Street Bridge (which has always had its own pump and accumulator).
The pumps were decommissioned in 2010 and are no longer connected to the network of pipes. Demonstrations will run at approximately 11.30am and at approximately 3.00pm over Easter Weekend.
Supported by the AIM Biffa Award National Heritage Landmark Partnership Scheme.
[Pump demonstrations may be cancelled at short notice subject to volunteer availability and successful safety checks.]