Welcome! Technically a 'water lift engine', the Melingriffith Water Pump (as it is known) is a scheduled ancient monument, the only one of its kind left in the world!
Installed in the 1790s to a design by Jessop and Rennie, it lifted water from the tail-race exiting the Melingriffith Ironworks, into the Glamorganshire canal.
The Glamorganshire canal was instrumental in bringing coal to Cardiff docks for export around the world. Thus Cardiff became prosperous, with much of its architecture reflecting its newly found wealth.
In the 1980s the pump underwent a major restoration carried out by volunteers from the Oxford House Industrial History Society, but fell into disrepair and needed further work.
Friends of Melingriffith Water Pump was set up in 2009 to work with Cardiff Council to maintain and promote this valuable structure and funded by Cardiff Council and CADW, the pump has been restored once again.
