Stories from Crossness
Behind-the-scenes stories about our events, volunteers, collections and history.
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Spectacular steampunk days!
Discover below what to expect on our biggest event of the year – a spooky Steampunk spectacular. Our magnificent beam engine Prince Consort will be running all weekend,…
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Meet Joseph Bazalgette
The man, the myth, the legend – without Joseph Bazalgette, there would be no Crossness Pumping Station! In fact, there would be no sewer system in London. This…
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Using the Future to Discover the Past
Crossness Pumping Station might be a marvel of Victorian engineering and ingenuity, but it’s also taking a step into the future via its archives. You might typically associate…
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Crossness goes to the Thamesmead Festival
On 8 August 2026 Crossness joined Thamesmead Festival with a Monster Soup-inspired Make a Mini Microbe Aquarium activity and a volunteer stall near Southmere Lake.
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Fun and Games at Crossness: the 1907 Carnival
On 14 September 1907 the Crossness Club hosted a carnival and sports day for workers and families. On 6 September 2026 we bring that spirit back for Riverside…
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Tunes and More This Weekend at Crossness
We have a stellar musical line up in store for this weekend’s Beams, Beers, and Brass Festival on 11th and 12th of July. The event features a bit…
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The Whole Picture at Crossness
Today when we think of Crossness Pumping Station, images of the magnificent beam engine house come to mind – its Romanesque bricks and painted ironwork. But did you…
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Rob’s hidden highlight – The Crossness Crest
We asked RANG railway and tour guide volunteer Rob Lomas what his favourite design feature is at Crossness. Here’s what he said: “Okay Rob, tell us about your…
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A River’s Story
London has always had a complicated relationship with the River Thames. Ebbing and flowing for over 200 miles, the river begins in the countryside of Gloucestershire and meets…
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All Aboard RANG
The Bazalgette diesel locomotive carries visitors up to the site. While there are many forms of transportation available these days, you can certainly arrive in style at Crossness…
Inspired to visit?
Open days and Steaming Days are the best way to see the engines for yourself. Stay in touch for the next story.