Sunday 19 August 2007

A little jaunt to a Steampunk chapel. Pt. 1 of 3

You've heard the saying “Half the fun is getting there!” - so it was loads of fun finding this little island of Victorian craftsmanship! Hidden from the main road and shrouded by farm and woodland, it is not far from the village of Papplewick which lies somewhere between Mansfield and the city of Nottingham. To find it you need your wits about you and a good navigator like my 14-year-old son Thomas who also thoroughly enjoyed our visit.


The main wrought-iron gates and path beyond give one the impression of a formal landscaped English garden. Entering the grounds through the Gate House, on your left is an ornamental pond of some length with a centre fountain, - not simply for show this was the Cooling Pond. For the young engineers among us, the cold water was sucked into the Engine House, condensed the steam, warm water then fed back into the pond. The fountain also had a more practical function, used to replenish the pond's water, maintaining the correct level.

A little jaunt to a Steampunk chapel. Pt. 2 of 3



The Engine House, which I refer to as a 'Steampunk Chapel' stands out from the countryside panorama with its terracotta brickwork and slate roof, - you can even make out its many arched windows.

Friday 10 August 2007

A little jaunt to a Steampunk chapel. Pt. 3 of 3


Once inside, your gaze is first drawn to the large steel flywheels and then to the ornately decorated columns. The latter's job is to support the see-saw motion of the beam engines. One is struck by the brightness of the interior and look up at the stained glass windows, each depicting some form of nature emphasizing that water is the life blood for all.

I could only marvel at the Engineering and the Architecture with the loving thought that this place of such toil and labour was, and still is, of such beauty.

Papplewick Pumping Station is well worth finding and visiting as my few words can hardly do it justice.


Welcome to Papplewick Pumping Station

http://www.papplewickpumpingstation.co.uk/index.htm

Welcome to the Learning Zone for Papplewick Pumping Station

http://www.papplewickpumpingstation.org.uk/