The Victorian pumping station at Crossness will be throwing open its doors this weekend as part of celebrations to mark its 160th anniversary.
Visitors will be able to see the Prince Consort beam engine steaming, while there will be special talks and exhibitions as well as live music to recreate the sounds of the era when it was built.
Built in 1865 to handle London’s sewage, Crossness, east of Thamesmead, is only open on a few weekends each year. It houses four steam-driven beam engine pumps within an ornate engine house.
A special Routemaster bus service will carry visitors from Abbey Wood station, while a narrow-gauge railway will run from the Crossness entrance to the pumping station itself.
There will also be a pop-up bar from Bexley Brewery.
The event will also be part of celebrations to mark the 60th anniversary of the London Borough of Bexley. The 32 London boroughs – including Bexley, Greenwich and Lewisham – came into being on April 1, 1965 when Greater London was created.
Celebrating Bexley events also include a winter sculpture park at the old Thamesmead golf course, close to Crossness, while the London College of Performing Arts will throw open the doors of its centre at The Link, underneath Harrow Manor Way, on Saturday afternoon.
Emma Jepson, a trustee of Crossness Engines Trust, said: ““We are thrilled to celebrate the 160th anniversary of Crossness, a testament to the dedication and hard work of our incredible volunteers. Their passion has preserved this magnificent example of Victorian engineering, ensuring its beauty and inspiration endure for future generations. Crossness is proud to be part of the Celebrating Bexley initiative, showcasing the borough’s most treasured venues.”
Cafer Munur, Bexley’s cabinet member for place shaping, said: ““Crossness is a heritage site unlike any other in Bexley and a real hidden gem. It’s a truly awe-inspiring feat of engineering that many local people have yet to see.”
Tickets for the steaming weekend and other opening dates are available at crossness.org.uk.
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