National Trust in 2002 became the
owners of this early Victorian Mansion which was
built for the Gibbs family in 1864. The various members of the
family always
had an interest in the latest technological advancements of
that age.
Warm Air Central Heating, on-site Towns Gas Generation Plant,
early
DC electricity from steam engine driven Dynamos, and water
hydraulic power
to operate pumps and luggage Lift.
The
House already has several items historical engineering
equipment, so it was with special interest when the
Heritage Group were asked by National Trust to check out an
old Luggage / Passenger lift used by
the servants to
transport when required, various items of
Luggage from/to the family's apartments in the house to/from
the waiting carriages.
The CIBSE Lifts Group have prepared a report and assessment
of the Waygood
Water Hydraulic lift that was discovered. The report is in a
pdf format which can
be viewed by using the following link.
An interesting addendum to
the R Waygood & Co report is to view a timeline
of some of the major events that took
place with the firm from its formation
in 1830 through to the early 20th
century.