Markfield Beam Engine and Museum

About the museum

Markfield Beam Engine is a survivor of the Tottenham sewage works, which grew from a small works built in 1852 into a larger plant serving Tottenham and Wood Green. The existing engine house and beam pumping engine were built in the 1880s by Wood Brothers of Yorkshire to lift sewage.

From 1889 the site was connected to London’s Northern Outfall Sewer, and a further extension with more steam pumps opened in 1905. The works closed in 1964, after a new treatment works opened in Edmonton, and most of the equipment was removed, except for the beam engine. The site then stood neglected for decades.

A trust took responsibility for the engine in 1984. In 2007 Haringey Council regenerated the park and restored the Grade II listed engine hall, and the engine was returned to working order in 2008, when the museum opened. It is now run by volunteers and is free to visit. On steaming days visitors can stand beside the engine as it runs under its own power, and volunteers lead tours of the sewage treatment works on most open days.

Highlights

• Restored Victorian beam engine in steam on steaming days
• Grade II listed engine hall
• Volunteer-led tours of the sewage treatment works
• Hands-on engineering activity area for children

Founded

2008

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Free admission; donations are welcome.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The ground floor and the engine hall are step-free. The upper gantry and the basement have no step-free access and are not generally open to visitors. The museum has no toilets; public toilets including an accessible toilet are in the park, and the accessible toilet key is held at Markfield Cafe.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations
• Playground / play area

Free activity sheets, a hands-on engineering activity area and a playground for all ages in the park.

Getting there & parking

The museum is in Markfield Park off Markfield Road.

Amenities & dining

• Café

Markfield Cafe is next to the museum in the park and is run independently.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit