The original pumping station operated from the 1830's right up until 1951, when a new station was built close by. It fell into disrepair for the next 25 years, until a group of members from the Somerset Industrial Archaeology Society decided to move in and tackle the repair work. This was the beginning of the Westonzoyland Engine Trust. Wessex Water gave permission for access and repairs to the Easton and Amos pumping engine, which allowed the members to fire it up and run it, on occasions.

 

Through the 1970's and 1980's, the Trust put together a museum of steam power and land drainage, including various engines and pumps brought onto the site from other locations.

Wessex Water still owned the site, but the Trust purchased it from them in 1990.

 

Extensive repairs were carried out to the 71' high chimney, cottage roofs and engine house, which come under the Grade 2* listed buildings category. Trust members built a new exhibition hall in the 1980's, which now houses the tea-room, sales counter and books, plus a number of steam-powered engines in the adjoining section.

 

There are many ongoing restoration projects and maintenance works to be done. The Trust has recently purchased part of an adjoining field, which will allow for future expansion. Improvements in facilities for visitors are needed; a possible extension to the modern exhibition block; and eventually restoration work on rooms in the keeper's cottage. Overall, the pumping station aims to display a history of Somerset land drainage and include steam-powered engines which were once active in both local industry and further afield.

 

 

The Trust has the majority of it's collection up and running. Those few exhibits that are not working are items that either cannot, or are still in pieces. Visitors on steaming-days will now be able to see more "real movement" than ever before. Getting steam to the main hall exhibits is now a plan that is pretty much fulfilled (all bar a few details). But there is more to do. Another group of local pumps has now arrived, and permanent housing for them will be required. The narrow-gauge line is being renovated, with much already completed. The old cottage is only in preliminary stages of junk-clearance and still offers much potential for display development in the future. Improvements to visitors' facilities are also needed. Since the museum is currently only open once a week, income is limited.