1889 – Dry Dock Pumphouse, Harland & Wolff, Belfast, Co. Antrim

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The Pumphouse originally served the Alexandra Graving Dock alongside, located on the other side from the Thompson Graving Dock of 1911. It was later extended to provide additional pumping capacity for the new Thompson Graving Dock. The powerful pumps were able to drain Thompson Dock of 26m imperial gallons of water in just 90 minutes – a rate of 2 swimming pools per minute. This building is a fine example of late Victorian architecture, the red brick with cream façade, great arched windows and clock tower, which sadly has been insensitively changed. Remaining in use until 2002, the Thompson Graving Dock saw many ships pass through, the most famous of course being RMS Titanic.

Published January 24, 2025