Metal experts called in to save heritage

historic metalwork and machinery consultants yesterday launched a project to help preserve a unique relic of the early industrial revolution in Yorkshire.

Experts have been called in by Barnsley Council to assess a Newcomen Beam Engine at the Elsecar Heritage Centre, a former industrial site now owned by the local authority.

The steam engine, which was first fired up in 1795, was once used to pump water from the area’s collieries, and is now recognised as a scheduled ancient monument.

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Council heritage chiefs are hoping that once the £40,000 survey is complete, the Hertiage Lottery Fund will provide a grant of £400,000 to restore the engine as an attraction.

Geoff Walsh, of specialist machinery firm GW Conservation, which is carrying out the assessment said yesterday that for a engine of its age, the Elsecar example was remarkably well-preserved.

He added: “There is some work to be done, because there is softening of some of the timbers which the engine is sitting on and the beam of the engine needs to be re-aligned because is has sunk a short distance.

“But the rising main, which is the 33m (108ft) cast-iron pipe which drops down to the Barnsley coal workings below is completely intact.

“The hope is to get the engine working with auxiliary power so the public can view it.”