About the Newcomen Beam Engine
The Newcomen Beam Engine at Elsecar is one of South Yorkshire's finest surviving legacies of the Industrial Revolution. It is the only Newcomen – type atmospheric pressure beam engine in the world to have remained in its original location.
The Newcomen Beam Engine was built to extract water from Elsecar New Colliery, to allow the exploitation of deeper coal seams. It was built by John Bargh of Chesterfield in 1795 at a cost of £167 19s 3 3/3d. The incorrect date stone above the door actually reads 1787.
The Beam Engine ran from 1795 until 1923 when is was replaced by Electric Pumps. It also ran briefly in 1928 when the electric pumps were overwhelmed by flooding. At its peak it could draw 600 gallons a minute.
In 1972 the engine was classified as a Scheduled Ancient Monument. The engine is not currently in working order but there are plans to restore it back to its original state.
Guided Tours of the Newcomen Beam Engine
Opening Times & Access
Please note that the building is not open to the public unless by prior booking, although special open days are held through the year.
Due to the layout of the Beam Engine, which includes steep stairs, access to the interior of the building is limited and is only suitable for children of 7 years and upwards, who must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
Disabled access is unfortunately not available inside the Beam Engine due to its original layout.
For further information or to book a group or individual visit then please contact the Elsecar Heritage Centre on 01226 740203 or via email at elsecarhertagecentre@barnsley.gov.uk.
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