Information for record number MWA105:
Pumphouse at Whitacre Water Works, Shustoke

Summary Pumphouse at Whitacre Waterworks, whose function was to supply water to Birmingham. It was built during the Imperial period and is situated 600m north of Blythe End.
What Is It?  
Type: Waterworks
Period: Imperial - Modern (1751 AD - 2050 AD)
Where Is It?  
Parish: Shustoke
District: North Warwickshire, Warwickshire
Grid Reference: SP 21 91
(Data represented on this map shows the current selected record as a single point, this is for illustrative purposes only and does not represent an accurate or complete representation of archaeological sites or features)
Level of Protection National - Old SMR PrefRef (Grade: )
Listed Building (Grade: II*)
Sites & Monuments Record
Picture(s) attached

  
Description

  
Source Number  

1 The modern waterworks include a magnificent Victorian pumping house, which originally contained beam engines, and is still in use.
2 Photographed in 1977.
3 English Heritage undertook a review of pre-existing waterworks pumping stations during the period 1995-2001. It concluded "Often carefully designed, the buildings which comprise the Whitacre pumping station, filter house, water well and superintendent's office by the noted architects Martin and Chamberlain epitomise the best of industry building of the period in their powerful design and confident architectural treatment. The buildings compare well too with the best of Martin and Chamberlains work elsewhere. Given their particular architectural interest and completeness, they should be listed at Grade II*."
4 An imposing pumping station built by Birmingham waterworks to house a magnificent pair of James Watt & Co compound bull engines.
5 A former pumping station of c.1872 with additions of c.1880 designed by John Henry Chamberlain and William Martin. Later additions and alterations of the 1930s and 1950s. Reasons for Designation The Whitacre pumping station, filter house, Water well and Superintendent's office, Whitacre, Warwickshire are listed at Grade II* for the following principal reasons: * Architectural quality: the building is amongst the very best structures designed by the noted architects Martin and Chamberlain in terms of its inventiveness and drama and the logical power of its design; * Intactness: although the original pumping engines have been removed from the building, much of the original structure remains, together with detailed finishes; * Historic interest: the buildings are a notable example of the 'Civic Gospel' of municipal ambition and pride in beneficial institutions which improved the quality of life for the residents of Birmingham.
 
Sources
Source No: 5
Source Type: Statuatory List
Title: National Heritage List for England
Author/originator: Historic England
Date:
Page Number:
Volume/Sheet:
   
Source No: 2
Source Type: Record Card/Form
Title: SMR card: photograph
Author/originator:
Date: 2005
Page Number:
Volume/Sheet:
   
Source No: 1
Source Type: Record Card/Form
Title: SMR card : text
Author/originator: JMG
Date:
Page Number:
Volume/Sheet:
   
Source No: 3
Source Type: Unpublished document
Title: Whitacre pumping station, filter house, water well and superintendent's office (1421175)
Author/originator: English Heritage
Date: 2015
Page Number:
Volume/Sheet:
   
Source No: 4
Source Type: Unpublished document
Title: Industrial Monuments Survey
Author/originator: Falconer K A
Date: 1980
Page Number:
Volume/Sheet:
   
Images:  
Whitacre Water Works, Shustoke, North Warwickshire
Copyright: Warwickshire County Council
Date: 1977
Click here for larger image  
 
Whitacre Waterworks, near Blythe End
Copyright: Warwickshire County Council
Date: 1960s
Click here for larger image  
 
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Glossary

 
Word or Phrase
Description  
designation Listed Building Buildings and structures, such as bridges, that are of architectural or historical importance are placed on a statutory list. These buildings are protected by planning and conservation acts that ensure that their special features of interest are considered before any alterations are made to them.

Depending on how important the buildings are they are classed as Grade I, Grade II* or Grade II. Grade I buildings are those of exceptional interest. Grade II* are particularly important buildings of more than special interest. Those listed as Grade II are those buildings that are regarded of special interest.
 		back
source SMR Card Sites and Monuments Record Card. The Warwickshire Sites and Monuments Record began to be developed during the 1970s. The details of individual archaeological sites and findspots were written on record cards. These record cards were used until the 1990s, when their details were entered on to a computerised system. The record cards are still kept at the office of the Warwickshire Sites and Monuments Record. back
period Modern The Modern Period, about 1915 AD to the present (the 20th and 21st centuries AD)

In recent years archaeologists have realised the importance of recording modern sites. They do this so that in the future people will be able to look at the remains to help them understand the events to which they are related.
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period Imperial 1751 AD to 1914 AD (end of the 18th century AD to the beginning of the 20th century AD)

This period comes after the Post Medieval period and before the modern period and starts with beginning of the Industrial Revolution in 1750. It includes the second part of the Hannoverian period (1714 – 1836) and the Victorian period (1837 – 1901). The Imperial period ends with the start of the First World War in 1914.
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period modern About 1915 AD to the present (the 20th and 21st centuries AD)

In recent years archaeologists have realised the importance of recording modern sites. They do this so that in the future people will be able to look at the remains to help them understand the events to which they are related.
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monument FILTER HOUSE * A building containing apparatus for the removal of large pieces of detritus from a water supply. back
monument HOUSE * A building for human habitation, especially a dwelling place. Use more specific type where known. back
monument BUILDING * A structure with a roof to provide shelter from the weather for occupants or contents. Use specific type where known. back
monument WATERWORKS * Buildings, engineering constructions and machinery, used for the purpose of supplying a town, etc, with water distributed through pipes. back
monument INDUSTRIAL * This is the top term for the class. See INDUSTRIAL Class List for narrow terms. back
monument WELL * A shaft or pit dug in the ground over a supply of spring-water. back
monument BEAM ENGINE * A steam engine with a horizontal beam connecting the piston and crank. back
monument ENGINE * A machine, powered by steam, gas, electricity or other energy source, which produces energy of movement. Use for stationary industrial engines rather than transport use. back
monument STRUCTURE * A construction of unknown function, either extant or implied by archaeological evidence. If known, use more specific type. back
monument OFFICE * A building or room where business, administrative or professional activities are conducted. Use specific type where known. back
monument PUMPING STATION * A waterworks pumping station. back

* Copyright of English Heritage (1999)

English Heritage National Monuments Record