STEAM SURVIVES IN STAFFORDSHIRE

Travelling on the train between Derby and Burton upon Trent, the train passes an old industrial looking building to which many people will not give a second glance. Complete with tall chimney, the building does indeed belong to the Victorian era, and served the town of Burton upon Trent from its opening in 1885 until the site closed in 1971. This is Claymills Victorian Pumping Station, which was responsible for pumping sewage from the town by utilising four immense steam engines. Now in the hands of The Claymills Victorian Pumping Engines Trust Ltd, it has been described by English Heritage as the most complete pumping station in the country, housing the four original engines, two of which can be steamed, with the other two in the process of restoration.

The reason for the need of such a large station is connected to the main industry in the town - brewing. The town of Burton upon