Turbine
Category
Historic Services / Electricity supply
Date
1881
Materials
unspecified
Collection
Cragside, Northumberland
NT 1232464
Summary
A historic system comprising of an 1881 vortex machine called the Netherton Farm Turbine, with stitch welded repairs. Originally purchased by Lord Armstrong for Netherton South Side Farm in the Coquet Valley from Gilbert Gilkes & Co. Ltd of Kendal. October 1881, serial number 444, it a vortex type turbine with an 8 horsepower output. The turbine was removed from the farm in the Coquet Valley in 1990, restored and placed in its current position just north of the Cragside Powerhouse. It now serves as an interpretation piece in its present position, lighting a few lamps when put into operation. There is a holding tank fed from Cragside’s Mine Water system which is used to drive the turbine for interested groups and schools. The turbine sits within an open wooden structure and surrounding picket fencing, with a galvanised corrugated roof.