Exploring Kent's Past

It should not be assumed that this site is publicly accessible and it may be on private property. Do not trespass.

Monument details

Summary

A pumphouse was built on the bank of the River Medway by Maidstone Water Co.during a construction phase which started in 1860. This building, along with the adjoining mortuary, was known as the Egyptian Building and was built in 1878. The buildings played a part in the typhoid outbreak of 1897.

The pumphouse was in use until 1954. Both buildings are now used as offices.

Monument Types

• MORTUARY (Post Medieval - 1540 AD to 1900 AD)
• PUMP HOUSE (Post Medieval - 1540 AD to 1900 AD)

Full description

If you do not understand anything on this page please contact us.

The New Pumphouse and Mortuary Structure (which may have originally held the boilers for the pumping engine) were built during a phase of water work construction started in 1860. The pumphouse and adjoining mortuary structure (Grade II listed) were build c1878 in an Egyptian style. The buildings had a role in the Maidstone typhoid outbreak of 1897. The egyptian early building is known as `Bridge Chambers`. The engine house still contained evidence for original inturnal features and paint work at the time of the survey. The pumphouse remained in use until 1954 it is now to be converted to council offices. (1)

Additional bibliography. (2)

<1> Untitled Source, OAU 1997 (Unpublished document). SKE6451.

<2> Oxford Archaeological Unit, 19987, New Pumphouse, East Farleigh, Maidstone, Kent: Archaeological and Photographic Record in Advance of Conservation (Unpublished document). SKE16652.

Sources and further reading