In short, Ryhope Village has one of the finest monuments to Victorian engineering ability in the North East of England. Of course, we are referring to the Ryhope Engines Museum in Sunderland which opened in 1868. Obviously, this water pumping station was responsible for supplying water to the Wearside area.
The pumping machinery still works, but basically the place is a museum now. Visitors can take a look back in time at this Victorian marvel.
History Of Ryhope Pumping Station
Of course, the first water company in Sunderland was at Bishopwearmouth in 1824. The engineer was Thomas Hawksley, whose work became renowned throughout Victorian Britain. Indeed, Hawksley was responsible for around 120 water projects.
His work also included the design for the Ryhope Pumping Station which is now a scheduled monument. Hawksley was obviously the most appropriate engineer for the job. This is because he was the first person to design an ‘always on’ pressurised water distribution system.
To begin with, in the 1800’s, water supplies came from places such as rivers, surface reservoirs, wells and natural springs. But, demand for water soon began to outstrip supply. This was due to the industrial revolution and rapid population growth in Sunderland.
Industry And Domestic Needs
Not only did the mining industry need reliable quantities of water, but so too did the new industries. However, because the cholera epidemic kept reoccurring up to the mid 1800’s, authorities established a link with poor water quality. This discovery brought with it many health reforms of course. As a result, the Sunderland and South Shields Water Company came into existence in 1852.
In effect, there was a slight urgency to get a reliable, clean water supply on tap quickly. Because of this, pressure on the new water company to deliver this vital commodity was too much at times. With this in mind, in 1864, four acres of land at Ryhope became the site for a new water pumping station. The total cost of the station, together with the acquisition of the land, was £58,416, including £9,000 for the engines.
Due to the geology of the area, vast quantities of water lay in the magnesian limestone below the ground. Obviously, the race was on to get this valuable supply of water to the surface. Just to point out that magnesian limestone is unique to the northern parts of England.
The Construction
For example, the building itself and the pump engines were an integrated structure.


Indeed, the water pumping engines totally fill the building from top to bottom.

Since they didn’t treat the water in any way, hygiene was very important. Indeed, the workers were subject to regular reminders about cleanliness. So, anyone caught coughing or spitting into the wells would get their marching orders.
Ryhope Pumping Station operated for around 100 years until its demise in 1967. This was because of a number of reasons. Firstly, the local surface pumping stations were extracting too much water and levels were dropping below sea level. Of course, this may have allowed salt water contamination. Secondly, Ryhope was giving ‘hard water’ while the Derwent Reservoir and Kielder Reservoir were supplying cheaper ‘soft water’. The latter is not only better for the heart, but for the laundry as well!
Ryhope Engines Museum Sunderland
Now that we have the history behind us, what does the Ryhope Engines Museum in Sunderland have on offer? Of course, on approach to the attraction, visitors see the massive brick chimney first. Then, at the site, the Gothic-style Victorian buildings give visitors a glimpse of what the industrial revolution had to offer.

This is because it still contains many original features.
Two Lancashire boilers are still in operation. But if you haven’t got a head for heights, don’t look into the well which is 250 feet deep. However, they have a grill over them and are worth viewing if you have the stomach for it. There is also a replica plumber’s shop, a blacksmith’s forge and numerous other waterworks memorabilia. When you have had enough, take a welcome break in the Gatehouse Tea Rooms.
All in all, Ryhope Engines Museum is an ideal day out for the whole family. Although Northumbrian Water still own the site, volunteers from Ryhope Engines Trust keep the place alive. Thanks to those dedicated people, admittance is free.
Details
Since it wouldn’t be appropriate to run the machinery constantly, Ryhope Engines Museum only open occasionally to the public. When in steam, the museum opens between 11.00 – 16.00. However, the museum opens as a static exhibit every Sunday afternoon between 2pm and 5pm. But this is only from Easter until the end of December.
Address: Ryhope Engines Museum, Waterworks Road, Ryhope, Sunderland, SR2 0ND.
Telephone: 0191 521 0235.
The official website is here.
Here is an interesting video of an open day at the museum from 2013:
Finally
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