Warwick Castle Mill & Engine House

There are multiple ways to access the engine house; however, we shall start on the path along the River Avon from the Riverside Arena. Notice the weir and waterwheel in the distance.

You will cross over the mill tailrace as you enter.

To your left is the turbine room that once housed a Single Vortex Water Turbine, designed by James Thompson and manufactured by Gilkes. The power from the runner at the bottom of the turbine shaft rotated the bevel gear wheel at the top. The rotation of the bevel gear powered the belts, which turned the dynamo.

The dynamo on display is located behind a cage. It is a two-pole generator with copper gauze brushes manufactured by Thomas Parker Ltd of Wolverhampton on loan by the Science Museum, London.

You can see the valve that controls the sluice gate below, which increases and decreases the flow of water to the runner.

In the adjacent room is an example of the original gas engine that was used to generate electricity when power from the waterwheel could not be harnessed due to droughts or floods. There was originally one engine; however, increased demand resulted in a second being installed in 1900.

The gas engine has its own four-pole dynamo.

Notice the terminal at the end of the room with measuring gauges.

An example of a gas engine that replaced the original is situated on the other side of the room. The replacement used a single flywheel that was easier to start up and could operate at higher speeds. The engine you see was manufactured by Crossley Bros Ltd of Manchester and came from the Co-op Dairy Association in Fenwick, Kilmarnock.

The final room contains a Campbell Treble-Ram water pump with a 25hp DC motor and hydraulic accumulator circa 1900.

Behind in the corner are a collection of accumulators, which are essentially batteries that were charged during the day for use at night to ensure the supply of electricity to the castle was not disrupted. Each accumulator held 2 volts so 50 were used to meet the 100-volt demand.

Head through the exit and follow the building round for a view of the low breast shot waterwheel dating from around 1840. Originally it was an iron frame with wooden paddles, driving a wooden axle. Most of the wooden parts were replaced with iron around 1900 including the paddles. The new curved iron blades were more efficient, reducing the loss of energy due to turbulence and splashing.

An eel trap is located next to the waterwheel below. Eels were an important food source because they could be caught all year round. They were especially valued during the winter but trickier to catch because eels hibernate in cold weather.