An alternative view of the old derelict pumphouse at Firepool Lock on the Taunton & Bridgwater Canal. I love this old victorian building, the last remaining example of a bygone age in this area, I like the way it stands there, proud and defiant while nature slowly reclaims its surroundings. The roof structure is actually a massive steel watertank that stored thousands of gallons of water drawn from the canal by two huge industrial pumps (located in the lower archway), this was then used to service the steam trains on the rail tracks behind the building. This whole area has been earmarked for re-development into retail, leisure and housing, but given the current economic climate it could be some years before the corporate cloners get around to ruining it, every cloud's got a silver lining I suppose! Click image for a more detailed view.

Original Photo