Description and History of Site:-
Single storey building , in red brick. Windows are round-arched cast-iron glazing bar casements. The whole building acts as the support for a sectional cast-iron tank which is inscribed "Stacey Davis & Co., Phoenix Foundry, Derby".

Water, pumped from the River Hull into the roof tank, was then forced under pressure into an accumulator by steam pumps. The pressurised water was supplied by underground pipes to consumers. Said to be the first of its kind in the UK, established by Act of Parliament in 1872. Currently (2019) in use as a vehicle workshop. Opened in 1875. The company closed down in 1947, partly in consequence of damage caused by bombing in WW2.
In 1882 the operation was visited by members of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers who described it thus:

"... At the pumping station in Machell Street are two pairs of engines, together of 60 horse-power, each pair having cylinders 121 in. diameter by 2 ft. stroke, driving the pumps direct, and delivering into the accumulator 135 gallons of water per minute at the pressure of 700 lbs. per sq. in. The accumulator is 18 in. diameter, with 20 ft. stroke, containing 220 gallons of water, and weighted with 80 tons of slag. Over the engine room is a cast-iron tank containing 44,000 gallons of water, which is pumped from the river Hull at low water by two duplicate 8-in. Appold centrifugal pumps, driven by a Brotherhood three-cylinder engine—each pump being capable of delivering 48,000 gallons per hour to the height of 35 feet, when running at 800 revolutions per minute."

About 11 mile of 6-inch iron mains were laid, and the pressurised water distributed from these mains to the various consumers as required.

The Hull Dock Co. took power from the Hydraulic Power Co. for a while, for working the cranes and other lifting appliances, before eventually setting up their own hydraulic power works.

Further Reading and References:-
https://www.gracesguide.co.uk/1882_Institution_of_Mechanical_Engineers:_Visits_to_Works

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Key Words :- hydraulic power distribution

Viewing the Site :- Can be viewed from the public road or footpath

Address :- Catherine Street, Hull, East Yorkshire, HU2 8AN
Grid Ref :- TA 09960 29488
Co-ordinates :- Lat 53.750171 , Long -0.333917
Local Authority :- Hull City Council
Pre 1974 County :- Yorkshire - East Riding
Site Status :- Listed - Grade II
Historic England List No - 1293296,
Site Condition :- Site in alternative industrial use
Site Dates :- 1875 -
Record Date :- 5 October 2019

Copyright :- cc-by-nc-sa 4.0 © Nick Nelson