Victorian pumping stations are colorful cathedrals of utility. Their
imposing and striking exteriors enclose highly decorative cast-iron
frames, built to encase powerful steam engines. They are glorious
buildings which display the Victorians' architectural confidence and
engineering skills. More than that, they represent a key part of the
story of urban development and how our towns and cities were shaped in
this period of ground-breaking invention and civic pride. In this
illustrated guide, Trevor Yorke tells the story of Victorian pumping
stations and explains why they were built in such a flamboyant manner,
describing their architectural features and showing how their mighty
steam engines worked. He includes examples of their glorious interior
decoration from pumping stations across the country and provides a
detailed list of those which are open to visitors.