Engine Bridge, Exeter
Situated at the end of Exe Street, Exeter
Site of the city water engine that pumped water up to a cistern behind the Guildhall.
1694 Act of Parliament to improve the water supply to the city. Three men from Stourbridge, Jonathan Pyrke, an engineer, Richard Lowbridge and Ambrose (andrew) Crowley, along with Daniel Dannel (Dennett) from Gloucester were engaged to build a water engine on the Exe to pump water into the city. They installed s a large water wheel attached to a pump, in the New Mill Leat just above where the Longbrook stream joined the watercourse. The Leat was fed with water from the river by the Head Weir.
At the rear of the Guildhall, a building was constructed that was known as the Back Grate for the lead lined water cistern, measuring 28 ft by 18 ft. to hold the water. The water was carried in 18 inch diameter elm pipes in trenches along the valley of the Longbrook. A second cistern was built at Northernhay
1808 James Golsworthy, a local machine-maker was manager of the water works and worked to improve the system, with a more reliable pump attached to the wheel, and replacing the wooden pipes with cast iron pipes made in Chesterfield.
1836 It was sold after the Pyne's Water Works, Exeter opened. The buildings and machinery then became a general purpose mill.
1888 'Engine Bridge Mill" (a) was erected for and originally used for supplying the citizens with that necessary and useful article water, and, as well as I remember, upon the old mural stone, lately taken away, was inscribed "This water-work was founded by - Parrin, ad. 16—." I am not sure whether it was 1616 or 1661. I believe I have a copy of this inscription, but is not now to hand. This mill, or waterwork was erected at the head of the original moat made from what is now known as Head Weir, and passed along the western boundary of the city to the present Quay, and was no doubt intended to be a great aid and protection in defending the city from the attacks of the Cornabii.'[1]
See Also
Sources of Information
- ↑ Western Times - Tuesday 27 March 1888