History fan? Or a heritage newbie? Everyone is welcome invited on this exclusive visit to the Galton Valley Pumping Station. Closed since 2019, the Pumping Station is opening its doors once more, just for us!
Built in 1892 to pump water from the new mainline canal to the higher, older canal, Galton Valley Pumping Station was in use until the 1920s. An important site in the rich industrial heritage of Smethwick, the pumping station now serves as a canal heritage centre and museum.
Join Dr Simon Briercliffe for an exclusive visit to the station and learn about the Victorian history of Smethwick and the role it played in the Industrial Revolution.
These visits are designed to tie in with our Valley of Industry guided heritage walks, which can be booked separately here. [LINK COMING SOON]
You’ll get the chance to:
• Explore the Galton Valley Pumping Station heritage centre
• Learn about the vibrant history of industrial Smethwick from historian Simon Briercliffe
• Take a walk along the Galton Valley and see the remains of past industry in the landscape (optional)
• Ask questions!
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YOUR HOST
Dr Simon Briercliffe (MA) is a historian (Black Country Living Museum) and Doctorial Researcher at the University of Birmingham. Simon specialises in the history of the Black Country, and has worked in museums and heritage. Alongside his research, Simon is an avid public speaker and reader, and even runs a local history blog!
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ADDITIONAL INFO
Who can join?
Anyone aged 12+ can join the visit (children must be accompanied by an adult).
When is this event happening?
There will be two sessions to choose from, one on Monday 30th May and another on Monday 13th June. Both sessions will begin at 12:00pm.
Please choose one session to attend.
Where is this event happening?
This event will take place at the Galton Valley Pumping Station. Once everyone has arrived at the station, we’ll begin with the visit.
How do I join the optional Valley of Industry Walk?
The Pumping Station visit is designed to tie in with a guided heritage walk along the Galton Valley. If you’d like to join the walk, places can be booked separately here. Remember to book the corresponding time slot!
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ABOUT MADE IN SMETHWICK
Made in Smethwick is an exciting season of events and activities taking place in and around Smethwick, highlighting the rich global history of local area.
Focusing on stories relating to two former industrial sites – Chance Brothers Glassworks and Soho Foundry and Mint – the events are a chance for people to explore the town’s industrial heritage, discover the history of their neighbourhood, and share their own ideas about what it’s like to live, work, and grow up in the area.
VIEW THE FULL PROGRAMME
This isn’t the only event! Check out the full programme here.
THANKS TO…
This project has been funded by the UK Government through the UK Community Renewal Fund.
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HAVE YOUR SAY: HOW SHOULD OUR OLD INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS BE USED?
Chance Heritage Trust is on a mission to raise the cultural profile of Smethwick’s industrial heritage, and bring former industrial buildings – like the iconic Chance Glassworks – back into use within the community.
Now, with help from the Community Renewal Fund, Chance Heritage Trust is starting to develop plans for the Chance Glassworks site.
This survey is part of a wider programme of community consultation, which will help to shape these plans.
How would you like to see these buildings used? And, apart from living and working spaces, what kind of opportunities and facilities should they contain for community use?