Based on information from David Bazzard, Edward Copisarow and Dr. David Brown. The photographs of the Engine House and the Wheel were taken just before and after WW2 by Stanley Freese and are included here by permission of the Centre for Buckinghamshire Studies. 



The wheel was used to pump water from a well above the lake (not from the lake) via 2 inch cast iron pipes to a covered holding tank above the house at Shardeloes. The tank was made from bricks which had been rendered and the flow was controlled by a very large copper ballcock situated in the tank.

It was in use until after WW2 when the house became empty. It is not known when it was built, but if it was first installed when the lake took its present shape it would have been in the mid 18th century. The mechanism could have been more recent.

The wheel was powered by water from the lake as an under-shot wheel and there was also a separate water feed which was over-shot.

Plan Your Visit

Opening hours:

Wednesday to Sunday, and Bank Holiday Mondays, 12noon to 4:30pm

49 High Street
Old Amersham
Buckinghamshire
HP7 0DP

01494 723700
[email protected]

 

“Enjoyed our visit to this wonderful interactive museum where you are positively encouraged to touch things!”

“Visited Amersham museum yesterday – lovely place, provides many details on the history of the place. Plenty of cute cafes, pubs and shops around also… not difficult to find free parking nearby. ”

“A well-run, informative and interesting small museum on the main street. It’s mostly volunteer-run and they do a great job in keeping it and making you feel welcome…Check out the herb garden too.”

“Enjoyable film and television location guided walk around Amersham hosted by Amersham Museum – here are the Sun Houses on Highover Park and further up the hill is High & Over.”

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