The Engine Room, c.1905 Framed & Mounted Print Frame Style:Natural Frame By Nicolas Besly and Tom

By Nicolas Besly and Tom Goldsmith

A fresh perspective on an ancient institution

Visit the State Apartments of Speaker's House on a guided tour >

Wind resistant frame

The Engine Room, c.1905 Framed & Mounted Print Frame Style:Natural Frame By Nicolas Besly and TomThis black and white photograph from 1905 shows the Palace of Westminster's engine room, housing an 8 horse power horizontal steam engine dating back to the 1880s. The engine was used to pump air to the compressors under the clock tower which then forced the waste out of the Shone Ejectors and up into the Westminster main sewage system. The engine was last used in the 1990s. The image has been reproduced from the original glass plate negative held in