Horizontal Duplex Steam Pump

Size: 5" steam cylinders, 6" pumping cylinders with 5" stroke.
Series: 670 "B" Low Service version, iron fitted.

This pump was purchased by W.C.Holmes & Co Ltd in 1934 for the new coke oven battery at Norwood Coke Ovens, Dunston, Gateshead, Co Durham. Prior to nationalisation, Norwood was part of the Newcastle upon Tyne & Gateshead Gas Company and W.C.Holmes were contracted to build the new gas purification and by-product plant for the new extension, which included crude tar handling.

In the early 1980's Norwood Coke Works closed, leaving Norwood Tar Plant to continue production on the site. During demolition of the coke works all tar pumps were transferred to the adjacent tar plant for future use. Those items surplus to requirements were eventually taken to Caerphilly Tar Plant in South Wales for storage.

The pump was acquired from Caerphilly in 1989 by the donor.