An historic pump house and water wheel at Stoneleigh Abbey has been restored to its former glory as part of a large restoration project to save and protect structures in the grounds, along with reinstating many of the views and walks inspired by Sir Humphry Repton’s designs from his Red book also on display at the Abbey.

The repairs to the Pump House was  funded by Natural England, included the roof being taken off and replaced, years of lime scale being chipped off and the water wheel itself restored.

Stoneleigh Abbey Trustee Dorothy Ingle said: “It is wonderful to see the wheel turning and  people being able to see how the pump house was used now fully restored to its former glory. The wheel doesn’t pump water to the house any more but it still represents part of the history of how the garden and house was operated 100 years ago. “

The pump-house was built in 1851 on to the site of the Abbey’s former medieval water mill alongside the River Avon

Visitors can now see the restored pump house as part of the Abbeys country park, a grounds entry ticket is required