The Ryhope Engines Museum is a visitor attraction in Ryhope, Sunderland. It is based on the Ryhope pumping station that was built in 1868 to supply water for the city of Sunderland until 1967 when it ceased operation.
Regarded as one of the finest North-East industrial monuments the grade two listed building is the most visited landmark in Ryhope. The building is now owned by Northumbrian Water, who are the successors to Sunderland and South Shields Water Company who built the station in the 1860’s.
Due to the growth of the industrial revolution and the increase of coal mining communities and other new industries in Northumberland there became a much greater need for water for both domestic and industrial use. Although there were various natural sources such as rivers and natural springs, more was needed for the industries and cleaner water was needed for domestic use, the latter due to the increasing number of cholera outbreaks, both nationally and locally. To resolve this new sources of water needed sourced and this was why locally the Sunderland and South Shields Water Company was established in 1852.
The demand for water meant that 1864 four acres of land in Ryhope were acquired on which to build the water station. In May the following year Thomas Hawksley (image above) who’s position of Engineer to the Company, was asked to provide designs for the ‘new waterworks’.
The building of the station, four-years after the land was bought, did not come without its own problems. The foundations of the building had to serve as support not only to the building itself and the beam engines but also to the well heads. This meant the engine’s and engine house had to be built together and not interfere with the sinking of the wells.
The station served its purpose of providing water for both the local industries and domestic uses until 1967. Two main reasons for the ceasing of the station were; there was a risk of salt water entering the system form the North Sea and the systems had began to collect calcium carbonate deposits which were known to cause cardiovascular diseases in humans. The closure of the station led to reservoirs such as Derwent and Kielder being built which were cheaper to run and provided a better quality of water.
Although the station ceased operation in 1967 the two Victorian beam engines are kept in working order by volunteer members of the Ryhope Engines Trust for the public to see. The two engines are similar to a pair of double acting compound rotative beam engines which were built by a local North East firm R & W Hawthorn of Newcastle. Each beam in the engines weighs up to 22 tons with the flywheels weighing 18 tons. These engines can be seen in operation on various weekends and public holidays during the year.
Double acting compound beam engine, taken from the beam floor. Image courtesy of Amii and David through creative commons.
In addition to the beam engines the museum also contains three 1908 Lancashire boilers (two of which are still in regular service), a blacksmiths forge, a waterwheel, a number of steam engines and pumps as well as a replica plumbers shop. Other items on show include depth recorders and tools used within the waterworks industry. In addition to this visitors are now able to see through a viewing panel in the floor to the bottom of the 250-foot well shaft that is located in engine house.
Below are the opening and steaming dates for 2014
Easter April 18th – 21st, (With classic cars on the 20th only)
Spring bank Holiday May 24th – 26th,
August Bank Holiday August 23rd – 25th
Heritage Open Days September 13th & 14th
Blackberry Week Steaming and Classic Car Rally October 25th & 26th. Cars Only on Sunday 26th
The Museum is open between 11.00 – 16.00 each day when in steam.
The museum is open as a static exhibit every Sunday afternoon 14.00 – 17.00 between Easter until the end of December.
Admission to all events is FREE thanks to the support of Northumbrian Water, providing access to an important part of this region’s industrial heritage.
On My Door Step 
