Middleton Top Winding Engine
is the sole survivor of eight
such engines built for the Cromford and High Peak Railway.
The CHPR was authorised in 1825, opened in stages from 1830 to 1831
and connected the
Cromford Canal with Peak Forest Canal, a distance of 33 miles,
over which there were 9 inclined plains connecting level sections.
Middleton Top pulled wagons up the 708 yard, 1 in 8¼ Middleton
Incline. It is now an Ancient Monument.
Middleton Top was closed to traffic in 1963 and the whole line
closed in 1967.
See More....
The ENGINE consists of a pair of single
cylinder rotative beam engines driving on to a common crank shaft.
The two engines are identical, with 23 inch bore and 61 inch stroke
working at 5 psi, rated at 20 horse power and a maximum speed of
40 rpm. The engines were installed on site in 1829.
The BOILERS in the boiler house next to the
engine house are of the Cornish pattern having a single centre
furnace tube. These boilers were installed in the 1870's to replace
original boilers of the 'wagon' type. The Cornish boilers supplied
saturated steam at 5 psi and were wood fired. The boiler house was
originally without a roof, which was added later. The brick built
chimney is 80 feet high.
[Taken 2003 by Colin Watson]
Taken 1940s by E R Morten. |
Enlargement. The gent on the right has his
foot on the cable running on a pulley between the rails to haul wagons up
Middleton Incline. |
From Colin Watson, SouthamptonHello John,
Regarding the Middleton Top photograph: In the 1861 Census, William Hallows (Shown as Hollows) was living at the Engine House alone, and was described as head of household and married. His two year old son Ralph was living with his Grandparents, John and Sarah Sheldon at, 2 Chapel Hill, Matlock. I did not find his wife Mary and their baby daughter Hannah. In the 1871 Census, William and Mary were living at the Engine House with their five children: Ralph 12, Hannah 10, Mary 5, William 3, (My Mother's Father, re photo: William Hallows + Mary Goodwin.) and John 10 months. In the 1881 Census, William and Mary were living at the Engine House with their eight children: As before plus: Sarah Ann 8, Elizabeth 6, and Emma 4. There was also a lodger living there. William lost a leg in an accident at work and when he recovered he worked in the High Peak Junction Workshops until retirement. In the 1891 Census, William's youngest brother Samuel Hallows and his wife Elizabeth Parker were living at the Engine House with their five children: Samuel James 22, George 20, Albert 17, Ralph 14 and Herbert 13. In the 1881 Census they lived at Hopton Engine House. I hope this is enough info for you to get an interesting write up to go with the photograph. When I get more information on the Hallows Pedigree I will be pleased to send you an updated .txt file. Best Wishes, Colin Watson, Southampton. |
Middleton Top Engine House
The first stationary engine house on the Cromford
and High Peak Railway (CHPR) from Middleton to Whaley Bridge.
Inhabitants of the house at Middleton Top can be followed on these
links to the Census:
1851,
1861,
1871,
1881,
1891 and
1901.
Colin Watson sent me the email below about this photo of Middleton Top.
Engine House on left, Boiler House on right.
[Taken 2006 by Keith Repton]
Engine House built 1829 with 80 ft chimney.
[Taken 2006 by Keith Repton]
Dates:
Photo taken: c 2003
Size:
Source: Colin Watson of Southampton.
Click on photo for enlargement (on CD only)
Have any more information about this photo? Please e-mail
the author on: