Leawood Pump House
Sightseeing attraction | Matlock | England | United Kingdom
Historical attraction in Matlock
The "Leawood Pump House" in Matlock, England, is a fascinating historical landmark that serves as an impressive testament to Victorian engineering and the industrial development of the region. This pumping station is located along the Cromford Canal in Derbyshire and was built in 1849 to pump water from the River Derwent into the canal. Today, the building is a Grade II* listed structure under heritage protection and is managed by the Derbyshire County Council and operated by enthusiastic volunteers from the Cromford Canal Society. It is a popular attraction for visitors interested in industrial history, steam technology, and the picturesque landscape of the Derwent Valley.
Victorian engineering in Derbyshire
The history of the Leawood Pump House begins with the need to supply the Cromford Canal with sufficient water, which was completed approximately 50 years earlier in 1794. The canal, originally running 14.5 miles from Cromford to the Erewash Canal, suffered from water shortages in the mid-19th century caused by changed drainage patterns from lead mines in the region. To address this issue, the pumping station was constructed, which diverted water from the nearby River Derwent through a 140-meter tunnel into an underground reservoir before pumping it approximately 9 meters up into the canal. The facility operated continuously from 1849 until the closure of the canal in 1944. After decades of decay, it was restored in 1979 by the Cromford Canal Society, bringing the historic steam engine house back to a functional state, allowing it to be regularly operated today.
Cromford Canal and industrial development
Architecturally, the Leawood Pump House is an impressive structure. Rising 14 meters high on the right bank of the Derwent, it is crowned by a 29-meter tall chimney with a cast iron cap, visible from afar, giving the facility a majestic silhouette. The building itself is made of local stone, giving it a sturdy yet harmonious appearance in the landscape. Inside, the original Watt steam engine dominates, designed and built by Graham and Company from Elsecar near Sheffield. This engine features a 10-meter long beam and a cylinder with a diameter of 1.3 meters, operating at seven strokes per minute. The steam boilers, renewed in 1900, provide a pressure of 40 psi, and the engine lifts approximately 3,000 liters of water per stroke – a performance that reached up to 470,400 gallons per day at its peak when the canal was heavily used and boats frequently ran aground.
Steam technology at the Pump House
The functionality of the pumping station is a central aspect of its appeal. Visitors can witness the machine in action during the so-called "Steaming Days," where steam powers the massive beams, pumping water from the river into the canal. Several staircases lead through the building, allowing visitors to view the technology from various perspectives – from the basement, where the water enters through the tunnel, to the upper level, where the beam is in motion. The volunteers operating the Pump House are known for their passion and extensive knowledge, often providing detailed explanations of the machine's operation and historical significance. This interactivity makes the visit an educational experience, bringing the industrial past to life.
Restoration of the Pump House in Matlock
The location of the Leawood Pump House on the Cromford Canal enhances its charm. The canal itself is a remnant of early industrialization, and a walk along the towpath offers a peaceful setting with old trees providing shade in the summer and occasional wildlife such as ducklings or geese enlivening the water. From the pumping station, there is a view of the River Derwent and the surrounding hills of the Derwent Valley, recognized as part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Derwent Valley Mills. The proximity to other historical sites such as Cromford Mills, where Sir Richard Arkwright developed the modern factory system, makes it easy to combine a visit with further exploration.
The Leawood Pump House is more than just a technical relic – it is a symbol of Victorian engineering and inventiveness. Its restoration by the Cromford Canal Society demonstrates the community's commitment to preserving this industrial heritage, while the opportunity to see the machine in operation provides a rare chance to experience history come alive. For visitors, it is a place of discovery that appeals to both technical interest and the beauty of the landscape.
