Ely Rotary Club Welcomes Talk on the History of Fenland Drainage
On Thursday 25 September 2025, members of the Rotary Club of Ely gathered at Ely Bowls Club to hear an insightful talk from Sharon Kindleysides, Trustee of the Prickwillow Drainage Engine Museum.
An engineer by profession, Sharon works in Intelligent Transport Systems and shared a fascinating look into the story behind the drainage of the Fens — from its early beginnings to the technological developments that transformed the landscape we know today.
Dating back to the reign of Henry VIII, the monasteries once provided the manpower needed to keep rivers clear. Following their dissolution, drainage became an ongoing challenge. It wasn’t until the 17th century, when Dutch engineer Cornelius Vermuyden introduced innovative land reclamation techniques, that major progress was made. His work included straightening rivers and creating new channels and washes such as the Bedford Level, dramatically improving water flow.
The introduction of steam power in 1831 led to the first pumping station at Prickwillow, fuelled by coal brought up the river from King’s Lynn — a journey that took an entire day to reach full steam pressure. Diesel engines arrived in 1924, followed by electricity in 1958, which remained in use until 1982.
Today, the Prickwillow Drainage Engine Museum continues to preserve and celebrate this important part of local history. The museum has expanded over the years and now houses a wide collection of historic engines. To raise funds for its future, the museum hosts a range of popular community events, including engine birthdays, Science Day, tractor runs, classic car shows and educational visits for schools.
Although the museum closes during winter due to heating costs, it reopens at Easter, and visitors can travel there on the Tiger on Demand bus from Ely Market Square. The service runs Monday to Saturday for just £2 per journey or free for senior citizens with a bus pass. Bookings can be made via the museum’s website.
The Rotary Club of Ely regularly welcomes guest speakers to its meetings and always encourages new members to join.
To find out more, email info@rotaryclubofely.co.uk
