09/06/2026
Have you discovered our historic Beam Pump on the river?
Originally built in 1799, with alterations in 1842, the Beam Pump was designed to pump water from the River Rother up to Woolbeding House and the surrounding farm buildings.
A wooden water wheel powers three beams, attached to pistons, that would pump the water. The beam pump is currently only the second known operating example in the South of England, with the other being Coultershaw Heritage Site, near Petworth.
Whilst the Beam Pump no longer physically pumps water from the river, the waterwheel and mechanics still all run as intended. Recently serviced and renovated, our team of volunteers operate the Beam Pump on Thursday and Friday mornings for visitors to Woolbeding Gardens.