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Stretham Old Engine

Stretham Old Engine
Attraction: Museums & Galleries
Admission Charge: Child less than £5
Age Range: Ages 5 to 11 years, Ages 11 to 18 years, Under 5's
Area: Stretham
Town: Ely
County: Cambridgeshire
Telephone: 01353 648578
Email: patrick.mcmillan@ntlworld.com
Website: http://www.strethamoldengine.org.uk
Facilities: Indoor Activities
Opening Times: 1.30pm to 5pm
Opening Days: Specific Days
Opening Periods: March to October
Description
The Stretham Old Engine Museum houses a fine example of a land drainage steam engine in a restored, tall-chimneyed brick engine house.  Dating from 1831, it is one of 90 steam pumping engines installed throuout the Fens to replace 800 windmills.  It is the last to survive, having worked until 1925.  During the great floods of 1919 it really earned its keep by working non-stop for 47 days and nights.   This unique insight into Fenland history and industrial archaeology is opt on summer weekends and on certain dates .  The engine and its wooden scoop-wheel are rotated.  The adjacent stokers cottage contains period furniture and photographs of fen drainage down the years.

A visit to the Stretham Old Engine Museum Ely is a must for people glad to quit the usual tourist trail and willing to indulge in a bit of Fenland history and industrial archeology. Close to the village of Stretham near Ely this land drainage pumping station (now disused) is scheduled as an Ancient Monument and has been restored by the Stretham Engine Trust.

OPENING TIMES :  2nd Sunday in the month between April & September plus specific days.

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