Ledbury's Edwardian Water System

The Hereford Waterworks Museum has one of the largest collections of historic working water pumping engines in the UK. It aims to set water pumping system displays in context, especially where are strong local connections.

- Noel Meeke

Researching for a new Museum publication, Noel Meeke, then Museum Chairman, visited Massington Lodge, formerly the Ledbury Pumping Station, and was invited inside by the then owners, Roger and Pauline Pugh. Over a cup of tea, in the room that had once been the pumping hall, and where all the machinery had been in situ. Afterwards he conducted a walk in the grounds pointing out all of the now covered boreholes.

During the walk Noel spotted a lineshaft lying under some shrubs, Roger immediately offered it to the Museum, but noted just how heavy it was. Engineering volunteers transported the shaft to the Museum for safe keeping.