BOAT LIFT FIVE

This weekend is Heritage Weekend in the UK. Various buildings, not usually open to the public, are free to enter. Welcome to Boat Hoist Number 5, at the docks in Goole, East Yorkshire.

Goole was a crucial port for the export of coal, with coal hoists for both railways and boats.
Five boat hoists were built and this is the last one remaining. It was built in 1912 in the West Dock and moved to this location in 1925. Operations ceased in 1986.

Coal was barged down the local canals in huge tubs called Tom Puddings. On arrival at the docks, chains, called dogs, were fastened to each tub and water power then lifted the tub and tipped the contents into the ship moored alongside. The coal was then transported to London to make gas.

Water power was managed by 10 Accumulator Towers within Goole Docks. Each one contained a huge piston that created a reservoir of pressurized water to be used by machinery throughout the dock, including this boat hoist.

For the full and fascinating story of this relic, read the book Railway on the Water. Tom Puddings & the Yorkshire Coal Industry. Enjoy !

None of the photos I took today do justice to this magnificent piece of industrial archaeology. I suggest you visit this site yourself.