Crossness Pumping Station
Crossness Pumping Station is an ornate 1865 pumping station with stunning architectural features like red columns, arches and wrought-iron decoration. It is a Victorian masterpiece of engineering, and architecture, built by Sir Joseph Bazalgette to deal with London's sewage. The pumping station opened in 1865 and was operational until the 1950s. This extraordinary 19th-century complex of buildings has now been restored by enthusiastic volunteers. There are three Victorian buildings open to the public. At opposite ends of the complex are the Valve House and Fitting House. The Valve House is now an exhibition area with several historic steam engines. The Fitting House is a machine shop, with a variety of metalworking lathes, presses and other machines and metalworking tools. In the centre of the site is the Beam Engine House, easily the most interesting of the three buildings. This is where the magic is; the beam engine house is stunning, a remarkable example of Victorian ironwork and style. The interior of the building has been called a 'cathedral of Victorian ironwork'. (London, England)
