A History of Crofton Beam Engines

The talk will cover the history of building of the Kennet & Avon Canal and reasons for Crofton Pumping Station. It will describe the two historic engines, their ownership and provenance, their function and operation. It will cover the work of volunteers to look after the Grade 1 listed building and engines over the past 50 years and the challenges facing us in the future. It will describe the monitoring of the engines using 21st century technology.

Jon Willis was an engineer-planner and spent most of his career helping to develop new railways to serve the redevelopment of London Docklands. He retired as Head of Planning of the Crossrail/Elizabeth Line and gave a talk on Docklands to the Historical Association four years ago. He is past chairman of Crofton Beam Engines.