Remains of early 19th century wind pump, 'Tollesbury Syphon', Old Hall Marshes (EHER 18115)

The rectangular brick base of a Dutch wind pump which was designed and constructed by Isambard kingdom Brunel during the period 1830-1834.

September 1998. Field visit. Possible site of Syphon designed and constructed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel during the period 1830-1834. <1> September 1999. Field survey. The rectangular base of a wind pump, in red and cream brick, standing to its original height of 0.9m and measuring 4.2m by 2.7m. On the top surface in each corner there are bolts which would have secured the timber and metal framework of the windpump. In the centre, there is a circular well shaft, 1.43m across, constructed of red brick. This structure represents the remains of a Dutch wind pump which pumped water from a deep well, and conducted it via iron pipes to the centre of the marsh for livestock consumption, as the brackish nature of the ditch water throughout the area was not suitable. At the time of the English Heritage (Cambridge Office) survey of Old Hall Marshes during September 1999, it was noticed that the southern wall of the structure was beginning to fall away. <2> <3> <4> For details of the Syphon system designed to drain the salt marsh see <5> and <6>. The windpump is described in a novel 'Mehalal' based on the salt marsh where it was used as a look-out during smuggling operations. <7> Original HER entry merged with NRHE data import.