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Claymills Victorian Pumping Station, Burton-Upon-Trent added to Historic Buildings in West Midlands by D0c.Col on 05/09/2024

Claymills Pumping Station is a fascinating example of Victorian industrial engineering located in Burton-upon-Trent, Staffordshire. It was built to pump sewage from the town to the sewage farms in the countryside, serving an important role in the sanitation and public health of the area.
Claymills Pumping Station was constructed between 1885 and 1889 by the Burton-upon-Trent Corporation as part of a broader effort to improve sanitation. The town was experiencing rapid growth due to its brewing industry, which necessitated a modern sewage system to cope with increasing waste.
The station was designed by the civil engineer James Mansergh, who was known for his work on water and sewage projects. The station is a striking example of Victorian engineering, with impressive brickwork, tall chimneys, and large engine houses.
It was fully operational from 1889 until it was decommissioned in 1971. During this time, it played a crucial role in managing sewage and wastewater, preventing the contamination of the River Trent and maintaining public health.
After its closure, the station fell into disrepair, but thanks to the efforts of volunteers and the Claymills Pumping Engines Trust, it has been restored and is now a museum and working heritage site that is designated as Grade II* listed.
The pumping station is powered by four massive beam engines, built by Gimson and Company of Leicester. These engines are named “Victoria,” “Prince Consort,” “Queen Mary,” and “Marquis Wellington.” And they are each capable of pumping around 3 million gallons of sewage per day.
The 120 horsepower compound beam engines are so called as they use steam twice for greater efficiency. The steam first enters the high-pressure cylinder and then the low-pressure cylinder before being exhausted.
The engines have a stroke of 10 feet and a bore of 32 inches for the high-pressure cylinders and 54 inches for the low-pressure cylinders.
They were originally powered by five Lancashire boilers, which generated the steam needed to drive the beam engines. These boilers were fired with coal, which was delivered to the site by rail.
The beam engines in turn drove large reciprocating pumps, which moved the sewage through large cast-iron pipes. The pumps had double-acting pistons, meaning they could pump on both the forward and return stroke thus increasing efficiency.
In addition to the main beam engines, the site also housed several smaller steam engines for auxiliary tasks, including pumping clean water to the boilers and driving workshop machinery.
Claymills is one of the most complete surviving examples of a Victorian pumping station, with much of the original machinery still intact and operational. The site now functions as a museum, offering educational tours, events that showcase the engineering marvels of the Victorian era including steam days, where visitors can see the engines in action.
The site also has a collection of other historical machinery and tools used in maintaining the station.
Due to its well-preserved state, Claymills has been used as a filming location for various documentaries and historical films, offering a glimpse into the industrial past.
Claymills Pumping Station is not just an industrial relic but a living museum that continues to educate and inspire those interested in engineering, history, and the industrial revolution. Its preservation allows visitors to step back in time and witness the power and ingenuity of Victorian engineering firsthand.

Claymills Pumping Station is inside the Derby Aerodrome FRZ so you will have to get authorisation to fly. Best to apply via email at least 24 hrs in advance to [email protected], although they have given me authorisation over the phone on occasions. In the email you'll need to include the following details:

1. Provide a map with the intended area of flight circled ie on a google map, or similar.
2. Time and date of flight.
3. Flight Duration.
4. Your Op ID and Flyer ID (if applicable).
5. UAS Device(s) to be used.
6. Your Name!

You will also be asked to contact them on the intended day just before and after your flight on Tel: 01283 733803. Sounds a lot but it really is easy and I've never been refused yet.

There are plenty of places to park, depending on the day you visit and check before you go on their website (https://www.claymills.org.uk/) as the pumping station is not always open. Best time to go are on thier STEAM days, when 2 of their 4 beam engines are fully operational, usually in conjunction with many more steam powered engines and quirky devices!

Word of Warning, there is a trainline running adjacent to the Station along with a level crossing with barrier. Not an issue really but I'm a belt and braces sort of guy!

Land owner permission requirements unknown.

View and discuss this location in more detail on Grey Arrows.

Co-ordinates: 52.82966, -1.611278 • what3words: ///glue.hangs.windy

The originator declared that this location was inside a flight restriction zone at the time of being flown. Permission to fly was obtained from Derby Aerodrome ATC. It remains the responsibility of any pilot to check for any changes before flying at the same location.

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Recently added locations

Lytham Hall (By leonteale)

Description of the Flight: This footage was captured during the Christmas event in December 2024. The flight took place on a quiet Saturday evening at 8 pm, with no one around, providing a serene and uninterrupted environment for a quick couple of shots of the lights/house for the Mrs.

Permission to Fly: The location is just inside Blackpool ATC's No-Fly Zone. However, Blackpool ATC is very accommodating. You can request permission to fly directly from them or alternatively, fly just outside the zone and use your drone's zoom capabilities to capture footage safely as it is right on the very edge.

Parking: Onsite parking is available. During the event, parking was free, but it’s normally paid outside of such occasions. Make sure to check current parking rates if you visit outside event timings.

Accessibility and Other Information: The site is easily accessible, making it ideal for drone enthusiasts of all experience levels. For those planning to visit during quieter times, it’s worth noting that the area is typically peaceful after event hours, offering a calm environment for uninterrupted drone flights.

Tips:

If flying close to or within the NFZ, ensure you communicate with Blackpool ATC well in advance for a smooth approval process.

Land owner permission not required.

View and discuss this location on Grey Arrows.

Co-ordinates: 53.7442, -2.976407 • what3words: ///

Staplefield Common, West Sussex (By grandad1950)

During the winter months I often use cricket grounds as a place to fly. They are usually quiet and they are usually large open spaces with room to fly. Quite often they are in pretty villages or surrounded by countryside. This is Staplefield Cricket ground on Staplefield Common.

If you are looking for somewhere to fly, to practice or just take a few snaps seek out your local cricket grounds.

Land owner permission requirements unknown.

View and discuss this location on Grey Arrows.

Co-ordinates: 51.03872, -0.183171 • what3words: ///

Rievaulx Abbey, Helmsley (By D0c.Col)

Was just a quick impromtu visit as was having lunch in nearby Helmsley. The Abbey is an English Heritage property so watch out for any overzelous staff. There are the usual English Heritage on-site amenities available including parking.

Rievaulx Abbey is a historic monastery located near Helmsley in North Yorkshire, England. Founded in 1132 by Cistercian monks from Clairvaux, it became one of England's most powerful and wealthy abbeys and is renowned for its stunning Gothic architecture, large arches and intricate stonework. Even as a ruin, it showcases the grandeur of medieval monastic life.
Nestled in a tranquil valley, surrounded by the North York Moors, it offers breathtaking views and a sense of seclusion, reflecting the monks' desire for peace and contemplation.
The abbey was a religious, economic, and cultural hub, with monks leading a life of prayer, study, and labour. They also managed vast estates and were skilled in agriculture and sheep farming.
At its peak, the Abbey housed over 140 monks and 500 lay brothers, making it a major influence in the Cistercian order and the local economy. Like many others, the abbey fell into decline after the Dissolution of the Monasteries under King Henry VIII in 1538, when it was stripped of its wealth and abandoned.
Managed by English Heritage, the Abbey is a popular tourist destination and visitors can explore its ruins, learn about its history through the museum, and enjoy the serene surroundings.
Rievaulx Abbey stands as a striking testament to medieval monastic life and holds a significant place in England's religious and cultural heritage. Its impressive ruins continue to captivate visitors, offering a glimpse into its storied past and a serene space for reflection.

There are a couple of places on the adjacent road to TOAL and maintain VLOS and if it's not too busy you can park on the roadside.

Land owner permission requirements unknown.

View and discuss this location on Grey Arrows.

Co-ordinates: 54.25816, -1.118545 • what3words: ///

Bolney Crickey Ground (By grandad1950)

The large and popular cricket ground at Bolney has lots of room to fly.

The pavilion is part cricket pavilion and part community centre for the village with a good bar on match days.

Land owner permission requirements unknown.

View and discuss this location on Grey Arrows.

Co-ordinates: 50.99024, -0.201529 • what3words: ///

Tentsmuir Point - Tayport, Fife (By kyleireland)

Summarised rules;
Follow CAA Guidance, Don't bother people and try to not disturb nature.
Leave the area as your arrived.

You require permission with higher impact filiming; e.g requiring a lot of equipment placed around the area or vehicles.

Don't go too far South as there is a Flight Restriction Zone for Leuchars.

Land owner permission not required.

View and discuss this location on Grey Arrows.

Co-ordinates: 56.44359, -2.819978 • what3words: ///

Tentsmuir Beaches (North) - Tayport, Fife (By kyleireland)

Summarised rules;
Follow CAA Guidance, Don't bother people and try to not disturb nature.
Leave the area as your arrived.

You require permission with higher impact filiming; e.g requiring a lot of equipment placed around the area or vehicles.

Don't go too far South as there is a Flight Restriction Zone for Leuchars.

Land owner permission not required.

View and discuss this location on Grey Arrows.

Co-ordinates: 56.43915, -2.848935 • what3words: ///

Castle Howard (By D0c.Col)

Castle Howard is a stately home in North Yorkshire. It is hidden from the main roads, but there are a number of public paths in the area that surround the estate.

The construction of Castle Howard was commissioned by Charles Howard, the 3rd Earl of Carlisle, as a grand country residence. The site was originally a medieval castle and manor, but the 3rd Earl envisioned a modern and lavish palace-like home. The renowned architect Sir John Vanbrugh, who was not formally trained as an architect but was a dramatist and designer, created the design. This was one of his first architectural projects, and he collaborated with Nicholas Hawksmoor, an experienced architect. The building process took over a century to complete (1699–1811). During this time, different generations of the Howard family contributed to its development, leading to a blend of Baroque, Palladian, and Neoclassical styles in its architecture. The centerpiece of the estate is its grand dome, a striking feature of Baroque design. The south front features elaborate decoration, while the west wing reflects more subdued Palladian influences. Today, the house's final appearance only partially reflects its original idealized design and rather than having two identical wings, it now showcases an extravagant asymmetry that is at odds with Vanbrugh's Baroque vision.

Castle Howard has been home to the Howard family for over 300 years, though they initially resided in another house nearby while construction was ongoing. The house has witnessed significant historical events, including periods of financial hardship for the family that occasionally delayed construction or maintenance. During World War II, Castle Howard was partially used by the military and suffered a devastating fire in 1940 that destroyed significant portions of the house, including the central dome, and many irreplaceable works of art and furnishings were lost. Post-war, the Howard family undertook extensive restoration efforts, including rebuilding the dome, a scaled down version of St Paul’s Cathedral, and repairing damaged sections. Castle Howard remains a family home but is also a major tourist attraction, drawing visitors from around the world.

It’s been featured prominently in popular culture and is famously recognized as the filming location for the 1981 television adaptation of Brideshead Revisited along with the 2008 film version, and not only did it feature in the TV series, Victoria, it was also visited by the real Queen Victoria and Albert in 1850. Its art collection, gardens, and architecture have cemented its reputation as one of the great treasure houses of England.

The estate covers over 13,000 acres, including landscaped gardens, lakes, and woodlands. Features such as the Atlas Fountain, Temple of the Four Winds, and Mausoleum are iconic parts of the landscape. The 11th generation of the Howard Family hosts events throughout the year, from classical concerts to seasonal celebrations, it is not only an architectural gem but also a testament to the endurance and vision of the Howard family through the centuries.

I parked in a couple of places but the estate carpark is easily accessed and is free (at least on the day I visited). VLOS isn't easy so I would take a spotter unless you want to film within the estate grounds (it's not NT, and is owned and run by the family as a business so check out their website for their filming policies). It's fair to say that the grounds are vast and therefore, filming from a secluded area would not be a problem in my experience!

Land owner permission requirements unknown.

View and discuss this location on Grey Arrows.

Co-ordinates: 54.12166, -0.907573 • what3words: ///

Whitemans Green (By grandad1950)

Home to Haywards Heath Rugby Club , who are actually quite good.

The green has about 4 rugby pitches, half a dozen football pitches and loads of space to fly.

It can obviously be quite busy at weekends. Mid week lots of room to practice.

Land owner permission requirements unknown.

View and discuss this location on Grey Arrows.

Co-ordinates: 51.0151, -0.151094 • what3words: ///

Blunts Wood (By grandad1950)

A 70 acre nature reserve on the edge of Haywards Heath.
Woodland with large meadows and open spaces for TOAL and a number of small lakes.
Probably best in the spring and summer rather than the cold winters day I went.

Land owner permission requirements unknown.

View and discuss this location on Grey Arrows.

Co-ordinates: 51.00489, -0.123114 • what3words: ///

Beech Hurst (By grandad1950)

Located in the centre of Haywards Heath.

A very large public park with extensive gardens, tennis courts , bowls club , and in the summer months a miniature train ride around the park.

Lots of room to fly if you are in the area.

Land owner permission requirements unknown.

View and discuss this location on Grey Arrows.

Co-ordinates: 50.9976, -0.115977 • what3words: ///


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