Restoring the Elsecar Newcomen Engine—High Ideals, Deep Mysteries

Abstract

Elsecar is an important industrial area, once the powerhouse of the Fitzwilliam dynasty of industrialists. Much of historic interest survives, including extensive remains of its famous ironworks, mid nineteenth century workshops and the unique Newcomen Beam Engine plus its mine-shaft. After decades of National Coal Board (NCB) ownership and an uncertain future, the site was taken over in 1988 by Barnsley Metropolitan Council, who started an ambitious programme of development at the Elsecar Heritage Centre. In 2009 focus turned to the conservation of the engine and funding was obtained from the Heritage Lottery Fund, English Heritage and the Council to carry out the work, that culminated in an official opening in November 2014. Although much modified over its working life, this engine is the only atmospheric beam engine in the world that remains virtually complete on its original site and over its mine-shaft. It is therefore of international importance, recognized by its Scheduled Monument status. Conservation of the site required adoption of the highest standards. This paper describes the extensive preliminary surveys, including under-water investigation of the flooded mine-shaft, the ethical dilemmas of conservation, and the challenges of interpreting a unique historic site for visitors, especially the difficulty of providing access to a cramped three-storey industrial building. The engine house and environs were restored and reinterpreted in 2009–2014. On a project of international importance high ideals were adopted but some deep mysteries remain.