Walthamstow Pumphouse Museum

I have known about the Walthamstow Pumphouse Museum but never had the time to visit it, Keilyn and I rectified this, on Sunday (September 1), by paying it a visit.

We were greeted at the gate by a friendly volunteer who explained about the museum, how it was run (and by whom) and what there was to see. She also informed us that the Marshall Steam Engine would be fired up at noon and again at two o'clock. With this information Keiyn and I thanked her and set off to explore the exhibits.

Of course, the first thing that Keilyn headed to was the 1967 Stock Victoria line carriage, jumping straight into the driver's cab. While Keilyn pressed buttons and pulled levers, I inspected the second of the Victoria line tube carriages. 

Eventually I convinced Keilyn to come out of the train, promising that we would return to it, so that we could explore more of the museum.

We spotted an old Bedford lorry in a garage which was opposite the Fire Museum. As took a photo Keilyn went into the Fire Museum, having spotted a fire engine. I went in a different door, where I found some vintage fire appliances, tools of the trade, memorabilia and much more. 

Oddly, hanging from the ceiling were two large models aeroplanes. One of a Mosquito, the other a Lancaster Bomber.

I then went into the second part of the museum, where I found Keilyn checking out an amazing collection of toy vehicles, all of which were fire related. A few of them I recognised as toys that I had played with as a child. Firemen's uniforms, from overseas, were displayed in a large cabinet, while another cabinet was filled with all types of fire extinguisher.

The largest exhibit was the fire engine, which was used in the first few seasons of the television series 'London's Burning', which was cool to see.

Walking with Keilyn: Walthamstow to Hackney Marshes... and beyond

Looking north along the River Lea.

Sunday September 1, 2024.

Today was the last chance for Keilyn and I to make a walk around London, before she heads back to school on Wednesday.

So, after having to plan a new route, due to certain lines being closed, we set off on the London Overground (Lioness line) to Euston, where we changed to the Victoria line to Blackhorse Road.

From here it was just a short walk south on Blackhorse Road to St James Road, then Station Road, before turning right on Markhouse Avenue.

Presently we came to our first visit of the day... Walthamstow Pumphouse Museum. We were greeted by one of the volunteers who explained that the museum is free to enter, run by volunteers and makes its money through donations and the hiring of some of its exhibits. 

Keilyn in the cab of one of the 1967 Stock Victoria line trains.

Our first stop was to the two 1967 Stock Victoria line carriages, with Keilyn heading straight to the driver's cab. Buttons were pushed and levers were twisted and I didn't think I was going to get her out of there.

Overseas Fire Memorabilia.

Eventually, I convinced her to leave the train and to explore more of the site. So, we headed to the Fire Museum. For its small size this museum packs quite a lot of memorabilia, appliances, badges, uniforms and much more into the space. 

As seen in 'London's Burning'.

The fire engine was the one used in the early seasons of the TV series 'London's Burning', which was quite cool to see.

The Marshall steam engine.

From here we headed to 'The Engine Shed', where various engines and pumps were displayed, some of which were working, before we entered the Grade II listed Victorian pumping station, which houses two Marshall steam engines and a collection of of smaller engines and pumps. It was fascinating to read the history of the items and to see these marvels up close. At noon one of the Marshall steam engines was set running, which was a joy to behold.

Liverpool Street to Chingford line.

In the Boiler House, accessed from the main pumphouse, a model railway had been built, with its various engines running along the tracks. It is based on the Liverpool Street to Chingford line and was very impressive to behold.