Built in the 1880s, Eastney Beam Engine House on Henderson Road was designed to improve Portsmouth’s sewage system. Now part of Portsmouth Museums, visitors can get up close to the two original Victorian Beam Engines.
With support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Portsmouth City Council is hosting four events in September and October. Visitors can dive into engineering and science with Fun Science Studios, explore the wild side and habitats of the site, meet the Victorians who built the engine house, and enjoy a Hallow-steam spectacular!
Councillor Steve Pitt, Leader of Portsmouth City Council with responsibility for culture and leisure, said: “Eastney Beam Engine House is a fascinating feat of Victorian engineering and provides a real window into the technology of the time and life in Victorian Portsmouth.
“We want to encourage more people to come and explore this impressive historic treasure, learn more about the people who built it and the impact it had on the city, and most of all have fun at these free family events! We’d love to hear more about what people think about the engine house and what activities and events they might like to see here in future.”
Sunday 24 September (12pm – 4pm) – Science, Technology and Engineering
Discover the science behind Eastney Beam Engine House and join Fun Science Studios in conducting experiments. See how technology has changed over time and find out just what it takes to achieve this epic feat of engineering with the Eastney Engineers trail.
Sunday 1 October (12pm – 4pm) – Wild About Eastney
Get wild about Eastney with this natural history day! Find out what wildlife and habitats can be found on the site, and what we can do to help them. Discover the environmental impact the engine house had on the Solent.
Wednesday 25 October (10am – 4pm) – Valiant Victorians
What made the Victorians decide to build an engine house to pump their waste away? Find out what terrifying diseases plagued Portsmouth at the time, and the developments made to prevent them. Meet Victorians around the site and be part of the re-enactment of the engine house’s grand opening!
Sunday 29 October (10am – 4pm) – Hallow-STEAM!
Dress up in your best spooky costumes and join the Gosport Steampunk Society takeover for this Hallow-steam spectacular!
For more information visit: www.portsmouthmuseums.co.uk/events
